²⁹ Then his disciples said, “At last you are speaking plainly and not figuratively. ³⁰ Now we understand that you know everything, and there’s no need to question you. From this we believe that you came from God.”

³¹ Jesus asked, “Do you finally believe? ³² But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. ³³ I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

John 16:19-33

Dear God, I kind of like in this how the disciples think they know what is going on from what they say in verse 30: “Now we understand that you not everything…” But do they? Do they really? Jesus answers them that their knowledge and faith are fragile. They will be tested. Their metal will be tempered. They will be tried and sifted. They will be challenged. But they will grow from all of this. They will learn from all of this. As John is sitting and remembering all of this from that last night before the crucifixion, he is doing a good job of painting the picture of their confusion and Jesus’s clarity.

Will I ever have a time when I am clear on what is going on around me? Do I need to be clear? Is it maybe better for me to not be clear and completely lean on you in each moment? In a lot of ways, I think it’s the struggle that makes me more useful to you. It keeps me humble. It keeps me on my knees. It also keeps me compassionate for those who also struggle.

Father, I have some work to do today. Help me to do it well. I have people to love today. Help me to love them well. There are some people I know who are struggling right now and need your angelic protection. As I run through their names in my mind, please be with them. Let your angels be with them to protect them. Let your angels me with me as well. Move in this world. Move in this world through me and through your church. But I also know that you can move in anyone, so I simply pray that you will let your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. And forgive me. And help me to truly forgive others. Please keep me from temptation. Help me to avoid it and walk the other way. Help me to love you, keep my heart pure, and love everyone I can.

I pray this in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen