Navigating Change: Following the Footsteps of JesusSample

See Short and Long

In John 16, Jesus continues preparing His disciples for what they are about to endure. He invites them to see that yes, there will be grief, but it won’t be forever. Joy is coming!

Jesus goes on to say:

… “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.” At this, some of his disciples said to one another, “What does he mean by saying, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me,’ and ‘Because I am going to the Father’?” They kept asking, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand what he is saying.” Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, “Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me’? Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.” John 16:16-20 NIV

Moving through this passage, notice that the disciples are confused and have a lot of questions. You may feel like that as you transition from one season to the next. Maybe you feel confused because you thought that job was going to be permanent or that relationship was going to go the distance. Maybe you have questions about what’s next, because it’s still really undefined and ambiguous, but you just know you need to go.

Whatever the situation, Jesus sees the disciples in their confusion and meets them in their questions. He’s faithful to do that with you too.

Further, Jesus reminds them that, yes, they will grieve, but their grief will not last forever. It will turn to joy.

Sometimes, that’s straight-up hard to believe, especially in an unexpectedly difficult season. But the truth is, your circumstances may be painful, but they are not permanent.

They will not last forever.

At this moment, the grief or ambiguity you are living in may feel like it’s your new reality. If you’re overwhelmed with your circumstances, you might resonate with David, the psalmist who felt like he was walking through the valley of the shadow of death. You might also relate to Jesus, who, a few scenes from where we are now, experiences such agony preparing for the cross that He sweat drops of blood!

And yet, Psalm 23 ends with David declaring:

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6 NIV

And Jesus, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, scorning the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

David and Jesus shared the knowledge that what lasts forever is God’s Word and His promises for us.

Today, there’s no circumstance, no matter how bad or painful, that can undo the finished work of Jesus that brought us back to God.

Because of Jesus, we have the promise of getting to be with God, in His presence, now and forever. When we are in Christ, our past is paid for and our future is secure.

Therefore, in every situation we have hope.

As you navigate grieving this past season, see like Jesus. See the short-term—that this situation is hard and painful and worth inviting God and others to help hold you up and bring you comfort. And see the long-term—that no matter how painful your circumstance, it’s not permanent. The hope you cling to is that, because of Jesus, joy is coming.

Stop and consider: How’s your vision? When you look back, what do you see? When you look ahead, what do you see? Ask God to help you look through the lens of hope. How does that impact what you see behind and before you?