“He gives us something to look forward to”

John 16:16-33

Week 13 of 16
Pastor Nate Herrlin

“Can we find joy in all of the pain? A little snow in a season of rain. Let's take a second just to hear the sounds. And cherish everyone that's with us right now. And everyone we're missin' right now…”

“Christmas Hits Different”, Toby Mac, 2023.

1. Following Jesus can be CONFUSING.

2. Following Jesus can be HARD.
(but the hard parts are not for nothing – they’re taking us somewhere)

3. THE FATHER LOVES US just as much as Jesus does.

“The disciples certainly did not yet understand fully what Christ had been saying; But although they were not yet capable of this, the mere scent of it refreshed them.”

John Calvin, Crossway
Classic Commentaries, 386.

4. Spiritual understanding GROWS OVER TIME.

5. Trouble and peace are not MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE.

Next Steps:

- Am I in Christ? Is this future for me?
(Talk to someone about this today if you’re not sure!)

- Am I living in the peace of Christ? Why/why not? How is God blessing me in my life right now?

- What kind of “trouble” am I experiencing in my life? How might God be using that as part of His shaping process in me?