“A LITTLE WHILE”
(John 16:5 – 18:12; Matthew 26:36-56; Mark 14:32-52; Luke 22:39-53)
“A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.” – John 16:16
The disciples were really clueless. They wanted to see Jesus overcome all the authorities in power, and certainly didn’t expect Him to be killed! And, following the crucifixion and burial of Jesus, they didn’t anticipate His resurrection! All the things we now read about in Scripture were clearly prophesied, but they didn’t see it or understand it. Jesus simply told them, in “a little while.” We might say, “you just wait!”
From our perspective today, it’s easy for us to be critical of the disciples’ lack of understanding of the events they were about to experience. But, the truth is, we are not really any different than them!
There are SO many times in our life that we wonder why certain things take place, or why we must experience certain events. “Why did he get cancer?” “Why did I lose my job?” “Why did I end up in this location?” And, this side of eternity, we may never know the answer to those questions.
But, I have found time and time again, that if we are willing to trust the Lord, in “a little while” everything will be known! Scripture tells says “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 ESV) All things may not seem, in our limited vision, to be good and proper. But, “in a little while” God’s perfect plan and will are revealed! You just have to wait!
“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12) Right now, we only know what we know! But, “in a little while” we will fully know! You just have to wait!
Simple Truth:
It is easy to become discouraged in the natural about some things we experience. But we need to learn to trust the Lord, no matter how things may seem at the moment.
Reflections & Application:
- When discouragement and disappointment come our way, we need to discipline ourselves to look to the Lord, rather than focusing on the natural.
- Are there times in your life when you have learned that God allowed things to turn out far better than you could have imagined? Give thanks to Him, and allow that to encourage you for today!
- Remember that this world is not our home – we are travelers in a foreign land. Life your life today in light of eternal things, rather than the temporal of this world.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I confess that there are so many times I simply do not understand why things are the way they are. The enemy would like to discourage me. But, I choose today to look unto You, trusting that You will allow all things to work together for the good of Your Kingdom, and for me as Your child. I ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
About our Author
Tim Satryan has been in full time ministry since 1980. He has served five churches in four states. He has also served as the District Youth and Music Director for the PennDel Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God, was the Presbyter for the state of Delaware for over a decade, and for a number of years traveled with the AG Church Multiplication Network, teaching church planting and church revitalization.
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