The Valley of the Shadow of Death

As you [God] sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world (Jn. 17:18). Chapter 17 in the book of John is one of my favorite chapters in the bible. I am honored that Christ would take the time to pray over me in the manner that He does in John 17. Basically, Christ states that He does not wish to remove us from the trials in the world, but that He will faithfully walk by our side in spite of them. It’s hard to wrap my head around the concept that Christ would “allow” anything bad to happen to us, but that’s not the case at all! Without the Lord, we suffer consequences of everything in the world, but in Him, “He works everything out in our favor,” (Rom. 8:28). Plain and simple, we will undergo trials in a fallen world, and we have the choice of walking alone or with a faithful Christ who will rescue us.

Jesus sent us into the world. This implies that Christ knew exactly what we’d face, and that He ordained every single moment of our lives. Scripture states that “He numbered every hair on our heads” (Lk. 12:7). Imagine that! He didn’t just count, but also numbered each hair (and called them out by number!) He is a caring Father with an insane passion for His own. Christ as Son and God as Father sent us the very best to reside within us - to help us in our moments of despair and need. He comforts us in knowledge by expressing His devotion through the Word, and through His Spirit manifested in love and inner peace.

Christ’s ultimate passion was us. It’s why He died a brutal death for every single one of us - whether we accept Him or not. Christ truly loves us. That’s hard to understand too, but with the Holy Spirit, easy to accept. Christ sent us into the world knowing that we would suffer in a broken world, but He did overcome the world for those who believe (Jn. 16:33). God is a meticulous Father. He provides even before we ask (Matt. 6:8). Finally, Christ is Lord and worthy of all honor and praise, because He is pure of heart. And if He ordains something in our life, He means it for our good.

Please pray with me: Christ, sometimes it feels like I’m walking through hell. Please help me to resist the enemy and the evil that surrounds me - and teach me to walk in your truth. Please anoint me with your Spirit to understand your Word and to reside in the light where you are. In Jesus’ name I pray.