Assuring Promises
LENT 2025 DEVOTIONAL:
John 16:1-33 (NIV)
(Lucas Chow, Steward, Local Church Executive Committee)
In John 16 we read that Jesus warned His disciples that a time is coming when they will face hardship because of Him. But He also gave them the assuring promise that the “Spirit of truth” will be with them even as He returned to His Father.
Many of us are familiar with the scene of the first day in a kindergarten. It’s chaotic! Crying children looking for their parents, eager parents peeping through the window to assure their child they are around. And teachers trying to bring some order in the classroom so they can start the class. Very quickly the child learns that everything will be fine. Kindergarten is only a temporary separation from their family and they start to enjoy the time in the kindergarten.
As I reflected back on my faith journey, it took me a long time to accept the assuring promises from God, that is, that my sins will be forgiven, my prayers will be heard and I can seek the Spirit for comfort and guidance.
When I was a new Christian, I struggled with the simplicity of the forgiveness of my sins. I doubted whether my sins are really forgiven and my salvation is secure. I wondered whether my prayers were heard when things didn’t turn out the way I imagined they would. I hesitated to ask God for guidance and tried to take on everything on my own.
But thanks be to God that my confidence in His promises grew as I spent more time with Him in reading His words and prayers (in particular, praying for wisdom), journeying with fellow Christians and participating in various ministries. I experienced unconditional love and witnessed answered prayers in ways that I can’t even imagine.
In this season of Lent, may you experience God and His assuring promises afresh.
Reflection Questions:
1. Do you have any doubt in God’s assuring promises? Why?
2. How would you build up your trust in God?
3. How can you help others who are struggling in trusting God?
