In A Little While

Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – January 13, 2018

Jesus went on to say, “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me”. John 16:16

Two weeks before Christmas in 2000 my dad breathed his last breath. I stood by his bedside and wept, because I had just lost my earthly father. I knew in my head I would see him again—“in a little while”—in heaven, but my heart ached. As I searched for reassurance, my heavenly Father comforted my soul. It was surreal. I was the oldest child, now in a new season of added responsibility. I needed the Spirit’s support and I needed to know one day I would see my dad again. I rested in peace knowing my father rested in peace. In a little while I will see Jesus and Dad.

Jesus took time to tell the disciples of His departure so they could be hopeful to see Him again. The reality of His cross, resurrection and ascension meant seeing their Savior with fresh eyes of faith. Since Jesus would not physically be with them, they would have to elevate their trust in Him. Emotionally, the disciples debated among themselves what “in a little while” meant, instead of simply asking Jesus. Their conversation could have received clarity by going to Christ. The revelation of God’s will can be mysterious, thus we wait on the Spirit to give us understanding.

“Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever” (Philemon 1:15).

Are you waiting on clarity in your career, what to do with a child or how to approach a life issue? You may be wearied from competing conversations with people and now you need to draw strength from communion with Christ. Obey God in what you know to be true. In a little while obedience will bring clarity, but disobedience only creates confusion. Trust Jesus when you don’t understand and He will elevate your faith to another level of loving patience. For a little while you won’t know what to do, but in a little while you will. Faith waits on God.

Above all, we anticipate being with our Lord Jesus in a little while. Our body aches, but in a little while we will rest. Our soul sorrows, but in a little while we will rejoice. Our emotions conflict, but in a little while we will be calm. Our mind forgets, but in a little we will remember. Our faith wavers, but in a little while we will be secure. Our hope fades, but in a little while we will be at peace. Our love is imperfect, but in a little while it will be perfected. We see our heavenly Father dimly in a mirror, but in a little while we will see Him face to face! Faith anticipates seeing God.

“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known” (1 Corinthians 13:12, ESV).

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