God's Got This

When Jesus prepared to leave, it was critically important that the Apostles and other disciples knew that he would send his Spirit to help them. They were about to be sent on a mission that would forever change the world.

"All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (John 14:25-26 NIV)

The apostles did remember what Jesus had taught them. In fact, they wrote it down. These writings became what we now know as the New Testament. These writings were inspired by the Advocate, the Holy Spirit of God.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (James 1:5 NIV)

It wasn't only important, though, for the Apostles to remember what they had already been taught by Jesus. They were going to need wisdom beyond that. They would need to know where to go and when. They would need to know what to say, when to say it, and when to remain silent. They would need to be led by God's Spirit in order to fulfill their part of God's plan.

"You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit. (Mark 13:9-11 NIV)

The same is true for us today. The same mission that was given to the Apostles has been passed down from generation to generation. We have inherited that mission. God is with us. God is Good. God has given us a mission to fulfill and given us each a part to play in it. When things get tough, the tough get God. They know that God will provide the right words at the right time. God will provide food to eat, clothing to wear, and protection from the elements and storms. They know that God created the heavens and the earth, still holds all things together, knit them together in their mothers' wombs, and has everything under control. They know that God's got this, even when things get tough living out their part of God's plan

"Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. (Mark 13:12-13 NIV)

So, how about you? Are you living out your part of God's plan? Do you trust God to have everything under control, even when things get tough? Do you lean on God to provide what you need, when you need it to empower one more to walk together with God? Do you trust that God's got this?