Trusting Jesus
LENT 2025 DEVOTIONAL:
John 14:1-14 (NIV)
(Tony Tng, Steward, Local Church Executive Committee)
During His last days on earth, Jesus revealed to His disciples that one of them will betray Him and He will be leaving them. If I were one of the disciples then, I would be overwhelmed with confusion, fear, anger, doubts and insecurity for my future. After all, they have been with Jesus for three years, sharing life together and witnesses to the many signs and wonders with promises of Him as their Messiah. They have just begun to understand and accept His divine identity and the Messiah is not supposed to die. Who are they to depend on if Jesus were to leave them? In the midst of all these emotions, Jesus was not far away and He knew their troubled hearts. So, in chapter 14:1, Jesus assured them of His identity, the One in whom they can trust if they would believe. He reminded them to remain in Him.
I had an almost similar experience some 14 years ago, when I experienced a roller coaster ride of emotions. At that time, my younger son was accepted into University of Adelaide to study medicine. I was happy but at the same time there was fear, uncertainty and doubts. All the roller coaster emotions ran right through me for a couple of days as I pondered over the decision. Fear because I had never been to Adelaide and didn’t know how to guide my son. Fear because I did not know of anyone residing there that could look out for him. Fear because I did not know anything about the society of Adelaide. There was uncertainty over issues ranging from his choice of lodgings to the type of food available and whether it is a secure environment. Then, doubts started to surface: is it the right decision to send him so far away for so many years? Is it the will of God for him to study in Adelaide? It was quite tormenting as I tossed and turned every night, unable to have a good sleep.
After not finding a good answer, I finally decided that I should turn to God. God should have all the answers to my questions. So that was what I did. I prayed like never before, trusting God to provide what I needed to know. And, God did just that. Suddenly a distant relative’s son was going to study in Adelaide and they asked if both our sons could share a flat in Adelaide. Then, my wife found out that an old friend had moved to reside in Adelaide and could help to look out for my son. Then, there was a friend’s niece who was studying in Adelaide and was available to assist.
Whoa! God opened not one door but three doors to assure me that all would be well. My doubt if Adelaide was the right place to study just dissipated. God had reassured me that it is He who is sending my son to Adelaide and it is the right decision. Yes, Jesus can be trusted to open doors and smoothen paths. I then had the confidence that my son would be all right because it was God’s will for him. Not only did he complete his basic medical degree, he is practising paediatric medicine there now. All glory to the only One God who is always nearby and I can always trust Him.
Reflection Questions:
1. What does it take for you to trust that Jesus will keep His promises?
2. With whom do you share all your troubles?
3. How do you often solve your problems?
