God’s Hope for Your Heart John 16
JESUS IS BRINGING YOU EVERLASTING JOY
“When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” (John 16:21-22)
Those who have experienced it say there is no pain quite like the agony of childbirth, yet there is also no joy like seeing and holding your newborn in your arms.
They say the joy is always greater than the agony.
In the same way, Jesus promises His disciples that life in this world will not be free of pain, a statement quickly confirmed by a look at the lives of His first followers. However, both His word and their lives also bear witness to a powerful truth and a great hope for the people of God.
For every sorrow, there is a greater joy waiting.
For every pain, there is a greater reward.
For every dark, lonely night there is a bright morning of reunion for all those in Christ.
Your situation may not feel very hopeful right now, but no matter what you’re going through, remember this: after the sorrow, the joy of His presence and power in you will be far greater! It will be so deep that the pain you feel right now will fade into the dusty archives of forgetfulness, and in its place will not be some cheap happiness that can slip away with circumstances.
It may not come today. It may not come tomorrow. But, no matter how long it takes, it will come, as surely as morning follows night.
Today, may you rest in the hope of this truth: Jesus is bringing you everlasting joy.
-Pastor Phillip
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