There is Good in All Things
The administrative assistant at one of our district offices recently went on a homes tour and had an accident. She missed the bottom step and broke her wrist and shoulder. After two surgeries, she is now recovering and undergoing therapy as they work with her wrist and shoulder. However, the most amazing thing happened.
She dislikes tuna more than anyone I have ever met. Her therapist told her to lift a soup can to build up strength in her arm and shoulder. The soup at first was too heavy. But do you know what wasn’t too heavy? You guessed it! A can of tuna fish was the right weight, so this lady who doesn’t like tuna fish is using a can of tuna fish to build up her arm.
When she is undergoing therapy, the therapist will make her do things that really hurt her arm and shoulder and then say, “Okay, you can relax!” She has to work hard and go through pain before the therapist will say, “Okay, you can relax!”
As Jesus neared His death, He knew His disciples would need to hear, “Okay, you can relax!” They would soon face persecution. Jesus said He would send the Holy Spirit to live with them. (John 14:26) Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you… Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
After three years of ministry, the time for Christ’s departure had come. He would be crucified within the next 24 hours, and within weeks, He would return to His Father in heaven. He chose this moment to console, instruct and encourage.
There is plenty to be uptight about in the world we live in. Are we going to war with Iran – what is the stock market going to do – Will China and the U.S. be able to continue trade relations – What will the interest rate be? There is plenty to cause upset, but we can remind ourselves that the Spirit lives in us, and that He offers us His peace.
I can almost hear the therapist saying: “Okay, you can relax!”
John 14:27 – “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
By the Rev. Tommy Herndon
Image: Zach Betten, courtesy of Unsplash
