A Steady Ladder

Jesus said, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) I, for one, can testify that what He said is true.

Over the last few weeks, my wife has had to deal with the deaths of two aunts and her mother. I’ve dealt with the passing of my mother-in-law, who I dearly loved, and the death of a friend of mine. Add to this significant health issue with two people who are near and dear to me, and I can attest to the many troubles that we face in this world. But thank the Lord, my joy in Jesus has not diminished.

I’m sure many of you can “top” me with trial and heartache, but let’s not. We can acknowledge our pain, but our life in Jesus far exceeds these trials. So let’s turn our attention, for a few moments, to the faithfulness of Jesus Christ our Lord.

We see in the Book of Hebrews how we are told to live as believers in Jesus.

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
– Hebrews 10:23

A Ladder

Once we trust the ladder, then we can do the work. Likewise, once we put our faith in Jesus, we can hold onto, without wavering, the confession of our hope in all He has said. We can do this with confidence because Jesus is faithful, and all that He has promised He will do.

Paraphrasing, Jesus said, “Trust me; die daily to yourself so that others will see me in you. Then My joy will be in you, and your joy will be complete.” Again, paraphrasing, Jesus said, “I love you so much that I died for you while you were still sinners. And I love you so much that I rose again so that you, too, can have the hope of resurrection and eternal life with Me.”

Joy in Jesus

In the Book of Hebrews, we are told that “Because of the joy awaiting him [Jesus], he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” (Hebrews 12:2b) And, the Apostle Paul tells us:

But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.
– Ephesians 2:4-6

Sometimes life is full of sorrow, and at other times life is just difficult. But, at all times, in all places, and in all circumstances, we are allowed to be full of joy, of hope, of love because these come from Jesus, who lives in us.

Allow me to state this again; it’s okay to be full of joy when your world feels like it is falling down around you. It is in our joy in all circumstances that the lost see the supernatural intervention of God. That’s the hope I choose to live. I hope you do, too.