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Our Difficulties
The Explanation For
Our Difficulties
“ … that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us …” (John 17:21)
If you are going through a time of isolation, seemingly all alone, read John Chapter 17.
It will explain exactly why you are where you are - because Jesus has prayed that you “may be one” with the Father as He is.
Are you helping God to answer that prayer, or do you have some other goal for your life?
Since you became a disciple, you cannot be as independent as you used to be.
God reveals in John 17 that His purpose is not just to answer our prayers, but that through prayer we might come to discern His mind.
Yet there is one prayer which God must answer, and that is the prayer of Jesus - “… that they may be one just as We are one … ” (John 17:22).
Are we as close to Jesus Christ as that?
God is not concerned about our plans.
He doesn’t ask, “Do you want to go through this loss of a loved one, this difficulty, or this defeat?”
No, He allows these things for His own purpose.
The things we are going through either make us sweeter, better, and nobler men and women, or they are making us more critical and fault-finding, and more insistent on our own way.
The things that happen either make us evil, or they make us more saintly, depending entirely on our relationship with God and its level of intimacy.
If we will pray, regarding our own lives, “Your will be done” (Matthew 26:42), then we will be encouraged and comforted by John 17, knowing that our Father is working according to His own wisdom, accomplishing what is best.
When we understand God’s purpose, we will not become small-minded and cynical.
Jesus prayed nothing less for us than absolute oneness with Himself, just as He was one with the Father.
Some of us are far from this oneness; yet God will not leave us alone until we are one with Him - because Jesus prayed, “…that they all may be one….”
WISDOM FROM OSWALD CHAMBERS
“It is an easy thing to argue from precedent because it makes everything simple, but it is a risky thing to do.
“Give God ‘elbow room;’ let Him come into His universe as He pleases. If we confine God in His working to religious people or to certain ways, we place ourselves on an equality with God.”
If you are walking through the valley right now because of a death, an accident, a serious medical condition, a financial crisis, the loss of a job or any other tragedy, stand on God's immovable promises and let His words bring security to your soul.
Let God's promises guide you like signal lights through your dark valley. The future is bright on the other side.
Why not talk to the God of the universe and let Him work in your behalf?
He says, “I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you" (Psalm 32:8).
Ask God to show you what to do. Pray the following prayer:
“Heavenly Father,
I admit that I am a sinner and my sins have separated me from You. I now want to turn away from my past sinful life and begin a new life with You.
Please forgive me. I now receive your Son, Jesus Christ as my Savior, my Master and my Lord. I believe and confess that Jesus Christ died for my sins, was buried, and rose from the dead.
I want to receive all that Jesus Christ has provided for me as my Savior. Your Word says, ‘Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved’ (Romans 10:13).
I believe and confess that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and no man comes unto the Father, but by Him.
Lord Jesus, I pray and ask You, to come into my heart and be Lord of my life. I thank You that you have given me eternal life, and according to Your Word, I am born again.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit Who is in me now. I surrender my life to You. I promise to study Your Word – the Bible.
Use me for Your glory.
In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”
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