These Things

Posted on March 4, 2020 by Catey Stover in Freedom Fighters

“These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble.” John 16:1

It’s a good reminder each time we go through an unpleasant time the things that Jesus would say to us. “These Things” are what keep us from stumbling. When I think about the benefit of fellowship, one of the main qualities is the fact that we encourage one another, helping to make it to the praise of God. I think of troubled times as a prerequisite to praise, or in other words “Those things bring us to These Things”. Those troubles pave the way to praise.

A prerequisite or a reminder of the difficulties we face in this life are often a must in order to appreciate what God has in store for us. “These Things” we call blessings are only made possible because of what we believe and hope for. John 16 lays out the prerequisites of troubled times.

It would be so nice to have Jesus sit down next to us and remind us that the troubles we face are only there to bring us to remembrance of what God has in store for us. If bad is the prerequisite of good, then bad must be necessary for us to experience good. It’s true that praise rises from the ashes of pain, true worship comes from an anguished soul. When the birth pangs of this world bring trouble, the deliverance from the pain brings joy.

While in our times of anguish it’s the Holy Spirit’s job to remind us of the seven times Jesus mentions “These Things” in John 16. It’s the “These Things” that are there for endurance, “But these things I have told you, that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you of them. And these things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you”. This is important to remember when we feel like we’re all alone, the qualities we gain through suffering are there to strengthen us and encourage others.

Are you in need of a dose of “These Things” today? Jesus would say, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Amen!

 

Written by Rob Russomano:  Rob Russomano is married to Terri and serves with her as full-time staff members. He is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and is available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can reach him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org


Think About This: “Be careful not to blame yourself if someone rejects Christ. If you do, you might be tempted to take credit when someone accepts him.” — Craig Groeschel

The Daily Bible Reading: Judges 15-19 | You can download our 2020 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here. 

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my [h]strength and my Redeemer. –Psalm 19:14

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the doctrinal and theological views held by America’s Keswick.

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