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By Mike Caton

John 13:19, “I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am who I am.”

What Jesus has been telling his disciples is really beyond their wildest dreams. He has told them he is going to be killed, crucified in fact. That was the worst punishment for the worst criminals. They knew Jesus was not that. They couldn’t imagine such a thing happening. Jesus has told them the people will turn against him. Again, the people loved Jesus. Most of the people anyway, there were some religious leaders who didn’t think much of him. Jesus has told them one of them is going to betray him. Once more, they cannot imagine this, not one of his closest disciples.

But one reason Jesus was telling them this is so that they will remember it after he is gone, after these events take place. And they will be able to connect the dots so much better. Not all the dots, mind you, but they will understand more than they do at this moment. As we look to the Bible, especially the Old Testament prophets, we can see the things they predicted and how they were fulfilled. That gives us confidence and assurance of the things that are not yet fulfilled. It helps us to understand that God has been faithful in the past, and he will be in the future.

When we look at the circumstances in our lives, the ones that are so far out of our control that we cannot imagine a solution, when we think things are at their darkest, when we think there is no way this can work out. We need to remember, God’s timing is not like ours. So, while we may think we are at the end of our rope, God may simply be holding on, or getting ready to act. We will never understand everything, this is where faith comes in. But we need to see and remember the truths that show us the faithfulness of God.

Father, help me remember. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Mike Caton is the preacher at Mount Olive Church of Christ in Belhaven. He volunteers at the Ponzer Fire Department and works part time with Hyde County EMS. If you would like to receive daily devotions in your inbox, email mikecaton@centurylink.net.

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