By Rev. J. Loren Russell
John 14:26-27 NLT
“But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
What do you have to fear? The answer to that question depends on your faith. If you trust and depend, have faith in the things you learned in school, on the job, or acquired because of your activities, your faith is on things that have no permanency. But if you have faith in and trust the one who created the heavens and earth, the one who promised to send the Advocate who will remind you of everything you have learned from and about the Creator, then you will have the gift of peace of mind and of heart. You have a gift that will not allow you to be troubled or afraid.
In the very chaotic world that we live in today; systemic racism, social unrest, COVID 19, now its new and more infectious strand, the creation and distribution of a new vaccine, a sitting President of the United States who refuses to accept that he lost the election, posturing to veto a rescue package, and threatening not to leave the White House, some may feel that all we can do is live in fear. I beg to differ. Sandwiched between the coming of Christ and His crucifixion is an assurance. Sandwiched between His lying as a Babe in the manger and Him hanging on the cross as the sacrificial Lamb of God, there is a promise of peace of mind and heart no matter the situation or the circumstance. In between the birth and the physical death of Jesus, we were promised the Comforter, the Encourager, the Paraclete, the one who will come along beside us so that we are no longer troubled or fearful of anything the world can throw at us.
Fear often comes when we do not believe we can get the things we want, and if we do, someone will come along and take it. The fearlessness that originates when we get the gift of the Holy Spirit comes with a promise, an assurance that we will be able to perform even greater works than Jesus Himself. We are assured that we can ask for whatever we desire and He will give it to us. Look at what He says in verses 12 – 14; “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!”
If you find yourself worried, troubled, or fearful in these uncertain times, I invite you to seek the comfort and the assurance in the words of Jesus found in John’s gospel. If you find yourself unable to focus or to make a new year resolution, let me invite you to receive the gift that gives assurance, peace of mind, and calmness in your heart, the gift free of trouble and free from fear. It is all right there in the text, but it has to be in your mind, in your heart and in your soul if you are to be the beneficiary. The Advocate will equip you to do greater things than Jesus did when you ask in His name. You have nothing to fear!
Be Blessed!
Rev. J. Loren Russell is President/CEO of The JLR Company for Church Financial Strategy & Consulting; an associate minister at both Goodwill and The Greater Universal Baptist Churches in the Bronx; and creator & host of “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” Mondays 8:00 – 10:00 PM. Listen on Matters of Faith on Facebook LIVE.
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