Three Helpful Truths Empowering Us to Know the Next Step
Someone bought our house. I should be declaring that statement with great joy and celebration since we intentionally placed our home on the market to sell. I’m glad someone purchased my home. However, I now have this panic that periodically gurgles to the surface.
I’m continually dealing with the question, “Now what?”
Now What?
I remember when my son joined the Marines, and when my daughter got married. Both events signified a notable change in the rhythm of my life. I felt that familiar panic gurgling under the surface. I heard so many questions in my mind demanding answers. Will my children be here for the holidays? Will I become just a post-it-note in their new busy lives? Will they answer the phone when I call? Will I still know them as well? Will our relationship be less than it has been?
The question “now what?” suggests we move on from what has been. I know when I think of moving on, I feel as if I’m asked to leave something valuable behind. I find myself in an internal struggle because whatever that something is, I don’t want to release it to the past. Know what I mean?
Three Helpful Truths from John 13
In John 13, Jesus and the disciples shared the Passover meal. Jesus washed the disciples’ feet and even told Peter he would deny Him. Jesus was preparing His friends for what was to come. He wanted them to be aware life would be different. Throughout the entire evening and conversation, I’m convinced Jesus knew they were worried and fearful. He was fully aware they were wondering, “How do we do this? Now what?”
In John 14, Jesus provided assurance and wisdom to His disciples. Jesus shared three truths that apply to us as well when we are faced with moving on from what once was.
Truth one: Don’t let worry and fear overwhelm you.
The first verse in John 14 is a familiar verse. “Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” (CSB) I know it’s a verse I’ve quoted to myself, and my guess is you’ve done the same.
Jesus gently reminded His followers to release their anxiety and let go of their preconceived ideas of how they thought life would be. They are easy words to say, but difficult words to live out. However, in Jesus’ simple statement He revealed our emotions can be controlled. He prompts us to act, to stop our feelings from dictating how we are going to respond.
Jesus gave His disciples an alternative to worry. He gently commanded them to believe in God, and in Him. Let’s be honest, we claim we believe in God, but we don’t consistently behave as if we do. When we truly believe, we dwell on and rest in the truth of who God is. There isn’t a question of whether God will provide, or come through, or be with us. We are convinced of His character and trust He will act for our good.
I believe we struggle because we want circumstances to go the way we think is best. I know there are many times I selfishly insist on my own way instead of believing God is good and will provide. When we fully believe, and fully trust, we release our grasp on the situation and allow God to move in ways we may never see nor understand.
Truth two: Christ goes ahead of us.
In John 14:2 through 4, Jesus talked about preparing a place for us so we can live in God’s presence. We read the verses and automatically associate Christ’s words with eternity. Certainly, Jesus was talking about being with the Father forever. However, I see a nugget of truth for us in the here and now.
When Jesus states He goes to prepare a place for us, He also informs us He goes there before us. Scripture tells us God is the same yesterday, today and forever (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8). Therefore, the same God who went before the children of Israel with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, is the same God who leads us. We do not step into any circumstance where Christ is not already there preparing a way for us.
I want to be clear, and stress to you that we will still encounter struggles. I recently watched an Instagram reel that stated, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego weren’t spared the fiery furnace, they were spared in the furnace. Daniel wasn’t spared the lion’s den; he was spared in the lion’s den.” (@jenessawait) Whatever we experience, God is with us, and He got there first.
Truth three: Jesus is the answer.
If you’ve grown up in the church, you can quote John 14:6. “Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” Jesus is our gateway to wholeness, fulfillment, contentment, peace, and satisfaction.
I think we read the verse too often as just the explanation of salvation; Jesus is the only way we can be saved. Whereas that is true, Jesus is declaring He is the conduit for us to experience the life we were created to live. God didn’t design us to be filled with worry, pain, and anxiety. He made us to be in relationship with Him, comforted, secure, and full of joy.
In my personal situation of being temporarily homeless, Jesus is my avenue to be at peace amid uncertainty. He provides the best point of view for how I need to manage any decisions that arise. Christ is my anchor, reminding me I belong to Him and He will supply what I need. I am not guaranteed it will be simple, nor easy, but I can trust His goodness and faithfulness.
It’s Okay to Ask Questions
For many of us, these three truths are not new information. And sometimes, though we are given valid instructions, we still get confused, or we don’t fully understand. I find great reassurance in the fact that we can ask questions, just like Thomas and Phillip did in John 14:5 & 8.
Scripture doesn’t give us any type of descriptive words that provide clues to Jesus’ tone of voice when He responds to Thomas or Phillip. However, I know Jesus’ character is kind, patient and gracious. He knows He is revealing truth that was unexpected, not part of the disciples’ perception of how everything would take place.
To both their questions, Jesus instructs them to look at Him, to be consumed with knowing Him above everything else. Just like the disciples, we want the details of this life; we want to see the plan. Christ tells us to focus our vision on Him alone.
The Next Best Step
God is drawing us to Himself. He calls us to set aside our worry and trust who He is. Since He knows us, He also knows how difficult it is for us to release control. So, Jesus reminds us to know God better so that trusting comes easier.
When we are faced with the question of “Now what,” we aren’t moving on from our pain, or worry, or grief. God is giving us an opportunity to move closer to Him while we learn a new rhythm. He is trustworthy and He already knows what comes next. He is the open door to the life we were created to live.
