June 2, 2015
You Are Braver, Smarter and Stronger Than You Think
Gwen Smith
Today’s Truth
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. (John 15:7, NIV)
Friend to Friend
One of the most lovable and charming characters in the history of cartoon animation has to be Winnie the Pooh. He simply oozes adorableness and positivity.
In the film, “Pooh’s Grand Adventure: The Search for Christopher Robin,” Pooh and Christopher Robin, who are the closest of friends, have a moving conversation high in a tree where strength and love flow heart-to-heart as a beautiful words are spoken.
Christopher Robin: "Oh, Pooh. If ever there's a tomorrow when we're not together, there's something you must remember."
Pooh: "And what might that be, Christopher Robin?"
Christopher Robin: "You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."
Pooh: "Oh, that's easy. We're braver than a bee, and, uh, longer than a tree, and taller than a goose... or, uh, was that a moose?"
Christopher Robin: "No, silly, old bear! You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is even if we're apart; I'll always be with you. I'll always be with you. I'll always be with you."
On the night before his death, Jesus had a long conversation with his closest friends, his disciples. Though we can’t watch it on a movie, you and I, through the audio recordings of the divinely breathed Word, are able to eves drop on the intimate dialog that was recorded in the New Testament book of John, chapters 13-17.
I imagine the minutes were a blur that evening as Jesus sifted through the emotions of all that was to come. He knew that within hours, one would betray him, another would disown him, and all would make haste to separate themselves from him in his most excruciating earthly moments.
Yet, beyond the burden of his own pain, Jesus humbled himself to serve those he loved by washing filthy, calloused feet. Then Jesus had a moving conversation in an upper room and in a vineyard where strength and love flowed heart-to-heart as beautiful words of life were spoken to his cherished friends.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You trust in God; trust also in me.” (John 14:1)
“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” (John 14:12-14)
“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever – the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” (John 14:15-17)
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:26-27)
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing… If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” (John 15:5, 7-8)
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.” (John 15:12-17)
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
May these red-letter treasures serve as a reminder to you today that you are not alone or ill equipped for the challenges in your life. Take heart! You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think because the Spirit of God is at work within you to embolden, strengthen, and guide you.
Above all, remember this: he will always be with you. He will always be with you. He will always be with you.
Let’s Pray
Lord, Thank you for the presence of Your Holy Spirit in my life. Please open my eyes wide to all the courage, strength and wisdom you have for me in Christ. Crush my insecurities and doubts so that I might be an effective witness of Your power.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Fill in these blanks: “Today, I will face ____________ with the courage that the Lord provides for me instead of trembling in fear. In this area of weakness, ___________, I will ask God for strength and will trust that His grace is sufficient to provide what I need. And I will pray for wisdom and direction concerning ___________ so that the Spirit of God can guide me with divine wisdom which is far greater that anything I can come up with on my own.” {Did you do it? If so, let me know! CLICK HERE to visit my blog and say, “I filled in the blanks and am trusting God to equip me for every challenge!”}
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Gwen Smith is a speaker, author, worship leader, and songwriter who wants to help you think big thoughts about God – and inspire you toward His grace and truth. Her website is filled with videos, posts, songs and resources that will be a deep well of encouragement to you. Click here to visit her site. (Get 3 FREE song downloads when you sign up for her blog!)
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