Lent Devotional - Day 32

Read John 16:16-33.

Jesus assures his disciples on this final night that they will indeed experience grief, however that grief will turn to joy. Even though he has been preparing them for his death and resurrection, they still have not understood it.

As followers of Jesus, we too will experience grief and joy as our old life continues to experience death and as we walk in step with the Holy Spirit, we are raised to new life in Jesus. The pain of resisting the desires of our flesh and denying ourselves is real. The grief of having to let go of life as we knew it and to carry our cross is often overwhelming. But we are to take heart! Jesus has overcome the world and through him we are to overcome as well.

There is immense joy that comes with obedience and seeing God’s faithfulness in our lives. The joy however is only great because of the death of the flesh we have experienced. In your love for Jesus, pursue him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Ask the Father for anything you need and want in your pursuit of Jesus, and be at peace. Remain in the peace of Christ and do not be anxious of somehow missing God’s will in your life.

As you remain in Jesus, he promises to remain in you and he will make sure that you are fruitful. Until he tells you otherwise, practice faithfulness in every arena of your life that you know you need to be faithful in. He will come to you and he will come for you. His joy will overtake you.