In John 14:1, While the disciples genui9nely believed in Jesus, their faith was already beginning to waver. Jesus began by telling them to stop allowing their hearts to be troubled by the news of his impending departure, the reason for that command is based upon their belief in the plan of God. He closes this powerful verse by reminding them that as they believe in the plan of God, to believe in the Jesus’ design to fulfill that plan. He wanted them to understand that he did not need to be visibly present for them to receive comfort and strength from Him. In face in John 20:29, Jesus would tell Thomas, and the rest of the disciples, “because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Jesus would go on in John 14 to share with the disciples the ministry of comfort that the Spirit would provide because of His departure. The presence of Christ is enough to calm the believing heart in whatever perplexing troubling situation it finds itself. The Puritan John Wene noted, “A sense of God’s presence in love is sufficient to rebuke all anxiety and fears; … READ MORE

When Jesus tells the disciples in John 14:1, to “believe in God” it is not a challenge to come to God in salvation; He is calling them to an ongoing trust in Him. The trouble in their heart was that they were questioning the goodness of God and His ability to do what is best for them. Our faith is shaken when we do not understand what God is doing and when His plan for us, does not follow our expectations. The Bible calls us to believe God no matter where that call leads us. It is a call to trust that He knows what is going on in our lives and around us, and that He is working those things out to accomplish His purposes. When we are in the storms of life, we need to take our eyes off the pounding of the waves, and keep them on the One who guides us through those waves to a safe haven. … READ MORE

n John 14:1 we are instructed by Christ to “Stop allowing your hearts to be troubled. For the disciples, the last few days had been an emotional roller coaster. Their fervent messianic hopes had reached an apex during the triumphal entry – only to be dashed when Jesus publicly announced His impending death in John 12:24. The concept of a dying Messiah had no place in their theology, and they were no doubt unsettled because they sensed that the Lord was leaving them. Jesus knew the disciples’ hearts and He understood their confusion and concerns, and he tells them to stop allowing their hearts to become overwhelmed by the immediate circumstances that they were facing. How do we stop this struggle in our hearts? It begins by remembering the truth of our situation. We need to focus on the truth which is external to our circumstances, and not to the emotions brought about by our current conditions. Jesus will remind us that He is the truth (John 14:6) and that He will show us the way. Our lives are hidden in Him, and we do not need to fear. There is no circumstance that comes into our lives that is … READ MORE