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By Mike Caton

John 14:29, “I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.”

There is a reason Jesus has been telling his disciples these things. Really, there are a couple of reasons. One, these are the things we need to know. These lessons Jesus is teaching us are about the way we need to live our lives. We need to be committed to him, we need to submit ourselves to him because he is the God of the universe, the creator and sustainer of all things. Second, if we live according to these instructions, our lives will be better. We can save ourselves a lot of trouble by doing things the way they are supposed to be done.

But the reason Jesus mentions here is that he wants to give us even more evidence of the truthfulness of his words. It is one thing to tell someone about something after it has happened, most any fool can do that. But to tell about something before it happens is another thing entirely. Jesus is letting his disciples know so that they will be prepared for the things that are coming. He wants them, and us to be ready for what lies ahead. We need to prepare now for the future, we need to examine ourselves, check our commitment, and come closer to God. But we need to remember that Jesus has warned us about what is ahead.

Again, Jesus wants us to be ready, to be prepared for what is ahead. But he also wants us to know that he knows what is ahead, and that he is prepared to deal with it, and that he is still in control. There is nothing that is going to happen that will take God by surprise. And so, our faith needs to be in him.

Father, thank you for holding tomorrow. 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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