“I pray also also for those who will believe in me through their (the disciples) message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”
-John 17:20-25
LEARN
In 2022 it is easy to set a new normal of ANXIETY instead of HOPE. But we as Christians need not fear. Christ loved us so much that he laid His life down in obedience to the Father, and one of the often forgotten things to note is what he prays about before being nailed on the cross. One of the things he prays for is US. The Son of God, petitions for us as the perfect embodiment of love. The Word tells us that even while we were sinners Christ died for us, and not only that, He also fervently prayed for us before his death. He knows what it is like to be in the world and knows what we need in order to have HOPE. We need Him- and lucky for us Jesus gave Himself up for us to allow us the grace and freedom we have!
We get the immense privilege of demonstrating to the world what joy and gladness look like apart from our circumstances. Hope in the midst of chaos doesn’t seem natural, because it isn’t! Our hope, peace, joy, and assurance are supernaturally given to us by the Holy Spirit through Christ’s sacrifice! So let us battle within our minds to form habits that are pleasing to God, ushered by the Holy Spirit. Let us reveal His truth, not only for our own sakes but for those who do not know the truth and are watching us.
KNOW
Remembering Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross on our behalf in order to give us a future and a hope is so humbling and also in the midst of anxious thoughts, so reassuring. The love of the triune God is with us, and is helping us. It is Christ’s love that advocates for peace in our hearts and peace amongst our brothers and sisters. We are never alone, we are always loved, and we are given a future and a HOPE in Christ. 🙏 ❤️
DO
Who can you share this truth with in the final months of 2022?
