Overcoming Challenges Through Jesus - An Example

 We’ve talked quite often about encouraging one another like Jesus does. For instance, John 14: He promises to both prepare a place, and return, for us. But, later (John 14:12-14) is an amazing promise. Jesus says we’ll do greater things than He has done.

You might think, “Jesus is God. How can we do greater?” There are a few ways. First, the Church spreads the Gospel all over the world – He was limited, as one man. Also, He says it’s because He goes to the Father. (v. 12) So, it has to do with the Spirit guiding as we lead others to Christ. After all, He said this before He died for our sins and rose again. His miracles were only a sign for Israel, given to the Apostles right after His resurrection. But, the Gospel is for everyone. And, which is greater? A temporary miracle – all who were healed died later - or a person repenting of their sins and calling on Jesus to save them and make them new inside? The one who gets saved has eternal life with Jesus now and in Heaven. That’s far greater, the fact we have a part in being an example of Jesus and sharing the Gospel.

Recently, the Lord showed me another great layer to this verse. It has to do with overcoming obstacles. Jesus is telling us we can, through Him.

As you know, Victoria made and delivered care packages to each of you. She tried to give them to each one personally, though it wasn’t always possible. I don’t know if you recall, but she has Asperger’s Syndrome. One big problem she has is with nonverbal cues and knowing how to begin interactions. Since she’s much better face to face or texting, just calling parents to get their okay was nerve-wracking since she doesn’t know how people will respond over the phone, what they’re doing, if she’s interrupting, or if they understand her. Even face-to-face was trickier, but at least there she can get a sense of how busy people are, when to speak and when to wait, and so on. These are all things most people pick up naturally when they’re a lot younger. She had to learn those like you learned to read or tie your shoes.

Yet, she did it all with Jesus guiding her, like I do with my handicaps.

Everything comes easy to Jesus. He is God. He spoke and the world was formed. The works He did took no effort. As a man, He toiled physically. He was tired, thirsty, hungry, etc.. He spent hours on His jobs as a carpenter. He felt physical pain, weakness, fatigue, etc. This is why He was in such agony on the cross. But, if He hadn’t mentioned Lazarus by name when He raised him in John 11, everyone would have come out of that tomb!

But, even the little things are much harder for us. Maybe communicating is easier for you than for Victoria. Seeing things is obviously easier for you than for me. But sharing the Gospel may be hard. Resisting temptation or not going along with the crowd can be very hard, especially if loved ones are openly not following God.

Thankfully, Jesus doesn’t say we have to fight these battles in our own strength. He says we will do it because He goes to His Father. When He ascended to Heaven, the Holy Spirit came to us. And, it is in the power of the Holy Spirit we can share the Gospel, keep from going with the crowd, etc.. Because the Holy Spirit is fully God, part of the Godhead as the Father and Son. So, when we trust Jesus to give us that power, He will.

What is hard for you? Maybe it’s obeying rules, being patient or avoiding a certain temptation? Maybe it’s reading the Bible?

I’ve enclosed a Bible reading plan for you that might help. You can check off chapters as you read. Do it as a family if you can. Whatever it is, you have God guiding you and many praying.