Just a few hours before one of them betrayed Him with a kiss
and the others abandoned Him in His darkest hour . . .
Jesus humbly washed their dusty, dirty feet and prepared their hearts for what was coming:
“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.”
After Jesus said this,
he looked toward heaven
and prayed.
(John 16:33–17:1)
Though He would soon be tortured and face a brutal death alone . . .
His heart was drawn toward His beloved disciples.
Jesus reminded them to take heart because He has overcome this
earthly life that can be so shattering at times.
He knew they’d be afraid.
He knew they would abandon Him.
He knew they’d have deep sorrow and despair.
He knew they’d feel hopeless and alone.
He knew they’d question His teachings and promises.
He knew they’d soon face their own deaths for following Him.
So, Jesus prayed for them (see John 17). And He prayed for us . . .
“My prayer is not for them alone.
I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.”
Friend, perhaps you need to hear Him say Take Heart!
over your own hard stories or shattered heart today.
So many are facing such deep sorrows right now.
I have several beloved friends who are going through heart breaking circumstances.
It all seems like too much. Unfair. Hopeless. Even cruel.
But God . . . He is right in the midst of our suffering. Ever close. Ever aware of our deep sorrows.
I promise.
He is interceding for you and with you. (Rom. 8:34)
And He is praying even with “wordless groans” when you can’t pray. (Rom. 8:26)
This, and only this, is why we can Take Heart . . .
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.”
(Lam. 3:22–24)
What about you? If you are going through deep waters right now, I’d love to know how I can be praying for you. Leave a comment and I will pray for you, or reach me through my website.
I also have a free downloadable resource called “The Power of Praying Scripture“
if you subscribe to my website at: JudyDunagan.com.
I hope you’ll grab a copy of my book, The Loudest Roar, to find more encouragement about how to Take Heart! And if you’ve read the book, please leave a review on Amazon. Thank you!
