If you’re wondering about your future, listen to the comforting words of Jesus again – don’t be troubled. Don’t give in to fear. Watch, pray, and guard against anxiety and believe God’s word of promise.
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SHAUNA: Welcome to Joni Eareckson Tada: Sharing Hope. Hi, this is Shauna and Joni has a very comforting word from Scripture for you today.
JONI: Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and this comforting word is from Jesus himself when he says in Matthew 24:6, [now get this] “Do not be troubled.” And you might say, “But you don’t know my circumstances, Jesus; what I'm going through.” And Jesus says to you: “Do not be troubled.” But still you might insist, “Jesus, how will I manage? How can I face this? What will I ever do, how will I survive?” And again, Jesus says to you, “Do not be troubled.”
The Lord of the universe, the one who ordained all your days before you knew any one of them; the very God who created you, loves you, and died for you says, “Friend, do not be troubled.” So! Let’s just break that down. Because it’s as if Jesus is saying to you: “Do not be agitated, don’t be anxious, dejected, confused, or alarmed. See that you meet troubles with courage, endure them with patience and fortitude, and yield entire submission to God. The world may be troubled, but you should not be.” And he inasmuch continues, “Because you are one of my sheep, one of the servants of my house, one of the children of my love. You should not be troubled, for all the things that concern you are appointed by my infinite wisdom and love. You are safe in my hand. I shall always be with you, to keep you from evil. Your trials will be moderated, so that you will be able to bear them. Every event will be directed to work for your good; and if you still insist on being troubled you will dishonor me.”
Wow! Friend, can you believe that? Do you believe that? Because it’s true. Jesus says in John 16, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Wow! Those are such comforting words. Because look, I'm just like you. When trouble looms on the horizon, I can sometimes panic – I may not show it on the outside; I may give a calm exterior, but inside a battle is raging. Do I give in to fear? Do I spend my day worrying? It happened just the other day. There are some physical issues related to my disability that I am struggling with right now; issues that could alter the way I live. And I worry: Will I have to start using a different kind of wheelchair? Will this mean I’ll have to spend more time in bed? Will I be able to sit up in comfort?’I find myself wrestling with these thoughts, and then I hear Jesus interrupt me with those comforting words, “Do not be troubled. If I have overcome the world, then I will help you, Joni. I’ll help you overcome your fear. Let me take care of everything.”
So, friend, if you are angst-ing today over a bad medical report, or a financial problem; if you’re wondering about your future, or how you’ll manage your pain levels, then listen to the comforting words of Jesus again: Don’t be troubled. Watch and pray and guard against anxiety. Believe God’s Word of promise. Cast all your cares and burdens at his feet. Expect support from him and look often to that great day when the Lord will reward you for your patience and trust. After all, if he loved you enough to lay down his life for you, certainly he can be trusted when he says, “Do not be troubled.”
SHAUNA: One more thing, friend – we would love to pray for you in your troubles, so share your prayer needs with us today at joniradio.org. Again, that’s joniradio.org.
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