In times of transition, I like to read and meditate on John 16. The apostle John writes this chapter in such a way, that it feels like you are one of Jesus’ disciples, standing there shoulder-to-shoulder with His original disciples, receiving both instruction and encouragement from the Master.
Before His horrific torture and death, and subsequent glorious resurrection, Jesus takes time to prepare His disciples for the future. He explains that He will die, and He will leave them in the physical. However, when He leaves, the Holy Spirit will begin to work in their lives like never before. Verses 12 and 13 say, “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.”
When the Lord moves you from one place to another, whether it be in the literal or metaphorical sense, it is important for us to realize that it is always for a purpose. The sooner we realize that purpose is focused on the expansion of His kingdom, the less time we will allow for fear to grip us and stop us from taking steps forward in faith.
While there are many sermons that can be preached out of the words of Jesus spoken in this chapter alone, I always look forward to the ending, verse 33: “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.”
No matter where we are on the planet, Jesus forewarns that we, as His modern disciples, will encounter tribulation. We must expect it, as we live in a fallen world with a real adversary wanting to destroy us. We must also recognize that Christ has overcome the world, and every assault of our enemy, and we are therefore to walk in peace, and be of good cheer.
Please continue to pray for Global Infusion as we, ourselves, are still in the midst of transitioning. With more GI families selling homes and moving across the country, we need prayer on every level. Pray for peace and joy during this physical time of our transition, and also pray for discernment and wisdom as we encounter new spiritual battles. Pray that God guides each staff member, volunteer and intern, and gives the wisdom to make God-ordained decisions, and that we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth.
We also need more of you to partner with us financially, as God has already opened up the door for us in 2013 to send upwards of 25 or even 30 mission teams around the world. Our plan to do more for the kingdom of God has already been set in motion – we need both your prayers, and your support.
