John 14 - Troubled Hearts

The world today seems so volatile and chaotic. Everywhere you look, whatever we read and see on TV just seems to be troubling. Last night, I noticed my lovely wife Tweeted this;

“I can’t be the only one who watches the news and is simply embarrassed right now, right? (Dear Jesus, we tap out. Come on back.)”

I find this first humorous, but then I also find it sad. It’s true, watching the news as a Christ-follower is pretty embarrassing. In John 14, we see Jesus connecting with and pouring into his disciples. Jesus opens John 14 with this;

““Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” - ‭‭John‬ ‭14:1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Such good words for us right now. In a world full of chaos and volatility, we have the rock of Jesus, and our hearts should not be troubled. 

Furthermore, beyond allowing our hearts to become troubled, we also, as Christ-followers, should rise above and look different. Jesus, a few verses later, shares this;

“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” - ‭‭John‬ ‭14:12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Whoever believes in me (Jesus) will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things... In this world of chaos and turmoil, we must stand out with our works and actions. We must move past being troubled and move into being a disciple of Jesus and doing the work he started. Jesus also said we would do even greater things than him. What?!?! Yes, we can and will do even greater things because the Spirit of the Lord lives and breaths in us. Do not fall for the lie, of our depravity or brokenness. When God created Man (you and I) He declared us Good! Very good. God breathed life into us, and the Spirit of truth, the advocate, is with us and will help us forever. 

““If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” - ‭‭John‬ ‭14:15-17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

If you need reminding, may Paul's prayer and words be a guiding light. 

“Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you. Now we offer up to God all the glorious praise that rises from every church in every generation through Jesus Christ—and all that will yet be manifest through time and eternity. Amen!” - ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3:20-21‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! 

We must check our troubled hearts at the door, lean into Jesus, and follow his ways and do the works he was doing. Love God, and Love Others!

“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” - ‭‭John‬ ‭14:12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Greatness is in you! Greatness is awaiting you to step in, and do the work of Jesus. Do not let your hearts be troubled, for you can and are capable through the power of Jesus to exceed your wildest imagination. Now is the time to respond; now is the time to act and rise up.