“If you are in a “full of sorrow, kind of moment right now,”know that sorrow is not the end of your story. John 16:20 is a reminder to stay faithful. God will turn your tears of sadness into tears of joy. A lasting and permanent kind of joy, a joy that the world cannot take away. God knows that you are tired. He knows you are doing your best. He sees you and He sees that you are not giving up. Remember, when life feels overwhelming, God’s peace is greater than your struggles. His love will carry you through every storm.” (Dottie Wilson’s text devo is the starto gnpl e for my reflection this morning….)
John 16:20-“Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.”
Suffering is not the point.
Sadness is not the point.
Tears are not the point.
Joy is not even the point.
FAITHFULNESS is the point.
Refer back to this on John 16:1-“ALL THIS I HAVE TOLD YOU SO THAT YOU WILL NOT FALL AWAY.”
But it is not really even about OUR FAITHFULNESS. It is GOD’S FAITHFULNESS!
Do I believe His Word? Do I believe His promises? Do I believe Him? Do I believe He will do what He says? Will I persevere? Will I wait? Will I remain alert? Will I keep my mind and heart centered on His character and will? Will I stand in the strength and equipping available to me in Him? Will I say “no” to distractions? Will I avoid quick solutions and temporary relief from discomfort, pain, lies, or confusion in order to wait for His redemptive will? If I believe God, that He is faithful, I can do all of that. And that is what faithfulness looks like. My faith is vested in God’s faithfulness. Therefore, my faithfulness will be rewarded by His deliverance of all that He has promised. These are little hanging stuffed reminders I have stitched throughout the years as part of teaching the Fruit of the Spirit……(CBB 10/26/25)