The Other Side of Grief

“I have much more to say to you, more than you can bear.  But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth…That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.” John 16:12-15

The disciples walked alongside Jesus for three years, and witnessed amazing acts and wonders through Him.  They were privy to the mind of Christ every day since Jesus asked them to follow Him.  The questions must have been unending as the conversations went late into the nights.   How boring their prior lives must have been before walking with Jesus.  While several cast their nets day after day, another counted money coin after coin.  Once they decided to follow Jesus their lives took on the twist and turns of a great novel experiencing joy, amazement, fear, failure and successes.  Sound familiar?

When we decide to pursue an intimate relationship with God we can expect storms to brew and foundations to crack.  As we grow in Him through difficult circumstances we are guided through them and taught by them.  Just as Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to the disciples we also have His spirit dwelling within us.  The Spirit will teach us spiritual truths and will reveal what God has in mind for each of our lives.  We will gain God’s wisdom and understanding in every circumstance when we are spiritually ready to receive it. 

Once the disciples had experienced the heartbreaking death of Christ, He appeared to them on the other side of their despair.  It was the proper time to open their minds and give them everything God had given to Jesus.  ‘Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scripture.’ Luke 24:45.  These men were not chosen because they were the best and the brightest, rather because of their passion to follow and serve.  It was through their fellowship with Jesus that afforded them the mind of God.  The same is with you and with me.  As we walk with Christ through difficult times we have access to everything required to move us from despair to joy in Him.  When we use our difficulties on earth and minister to others, He will consider those precious and worthy offerings.  He doesn’t take for granted any tear that has fallen and any heart that has been broken.  He will always be there to guide, comfort and sustain, thereby expanding our faith.