When Life Tumbles In
Randall Caselman
8/27/97
When Life Tumbles In
Go with me to the upper room in downtown Jerusalem. Jesus knew the world of the apostles was about to tumble in. They've given up everything, followed Him for three and a half years. Talk about disappointment, disillusionment, panic, fear, not knowing where to turn. These men were in trouble. They have left all, given up everything, to follow Him. Some have given up good jobs banking on Jesus’ success; prominent fisherman, a tax collector. Now what are they gonna do?
Ever been there? Ever been to the point where regardless of what we do, nothing appears to work? Regardless of who we turn to, nobody is able to help. We find ourselves repeatedly going to Him saying,
O God please help me. Sure, we have all been there, and the truth is we’ll probably return there again before to long, that’s the way life is. The question is not will it happen or even when, but how will we handle the crises? We need help, and Jesus gives us the kind of help and comfort we need. John chapter fourteen was written to assist us in time of trouble.
There is the promise of heaven.
Let not your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions... I am going there to prepare a place for you... So that where I am there you may be also. When life tumbles in, nothing helps like the hope of heaven.
The fatherhood of God.
I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Jesus came giving us the Fatherhood of God. Life can never really tumble in if we understand and live as if God is our Father.
The privilege of prayer.
I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. Remember what James tells us? He says, prayer is the Christian’s crises management tool.
Are you in trouble? Pray! Are you sick? Pray! Are you caught up in some sin? Pray! Then he says, ask others to pray with you and for you,
The fervent prayer of the righteous is both powerful and effective.
The presence of God in our lives.
I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you for ever... The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name. When life tumbles in, we need to know that God is with us. David said it so well,
God is our refuge and strength. He is an ever-present help in times of trouble. Therefore we will not fear; even though the world be shaken, the mountains fall, and the waters of life roar and foam. Jesus concludes,
if anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home, our abode, with him.
Jesus gives us His peace.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Let not your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. The peace that the world gives is based upon things and circumstances. God’s peace is based upon relationships: Right relationship with Him, and with one another. We are equipped to handle the crises, whatever it is, if we have the proper relationship with God and with His people.
As Bible students, we know that nowhere has God promised His people,
a life without troublesome times, but, what He does promise is hope and help for the hurting.
—
Randall Caselman
