John 16:33

MAY 14, 2024

Today’s Scripture

In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

John 16:33

This world can discourage and dissuade us from being the people that God created us to be. In our key verse, Jesus encourages us to “be of good cheer” – to take courage, to be undaunted, even filled with joy!

We have all compared our lives to those picture-perfect social media families and realized that we do not measure up. Our families are imperfect, fractured, and dysfunctional. Well, take courage! We stand in good company.

God does not discount imperfect families. In fact, He has a long history of using very imperfect fathers, mothers, and children to bring about His ultimate plans for good.

He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Judah. Abraham fathered a child with the “other woman” – flawed. Isaac and Rebekah played favorites and created a family rift that lasted for decades – flawed. Jacob’s eleven sons ganged up on their young brother and sold him into slavery – flawed. Judah slept with his daughter-in-law because he thought she was a prostitute – flawed.

All broken down and messed up, but through the lineage of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Judah comes the very Son of God. So, be encouraged! A perfect God will take what the enemy intended for evil in your family and turn it to great good when you submit your all to Him.

Blessing

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you and give you His peace. May the Word of God be planted in the broken ground of your family to produce a future harvest much greater than any pain in your past.