Key Passage
Later, Jesus was sitting at a place on the Mount of Olives. He was alone with Peter, James, John, and Andrew. They could all see the temple. Those followers asked Jesus, “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will show us it is time for these things to happen?”
— Mark 13:3-4 ERV (Read Full Text)
Key Thought
We like the “Why?” and “When?” questions, don’t we? We want to either be in control or in the know. So naturally the closest followers of Jesus want to know when this great disaster is going to take place. It is not easy to just take the words of anyone, even the Lord of the universe, at face value as a promise that can be trusted. Yet, Jesus says it; and they are challenged to believe it is so. What promises (including those with dire consequences) do you have trouble trusting to be true? Why not share that doubt, that concern, or that worry with the Lord.
Prayer
O LORD God Almighty, I trust you in so many areas of my life. Yet I confess that there are other things that are difficult for me to release fully to you and take you at your word. Please bless me as I seek to increase my faith and my trust in your promises even when I don’t have answers to my “Why?” and “When?” questions. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Related Scriptures
My whole body is shaking. Lord, how long {until you heal me}?
— Psalm 6:3
How long will you forget me, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you refuse to accept me? How long must I wonder if you have forgotten me? How long must I feel this sadness in my heart? How long will my enemy win against me? Lord my God, look at me! Answer my question! Let me know the answer or I will die! If that happens, my enemy will say “I beat him!” My enemy would be happy if he defeated me. Lord, I trusted in your love to help me. You saved me and made me happy! I sing a happy song to the Lord because he did good things for me.
— Psalm 13:1-6
Now, brothers and sisters, we don’t need to write to you about times and dates. You know very well that the day the Lord comes again will be {a surprise} like a thief who comes at night. People will say, “We have peace and we are safe.” At that time destruction will come to them quickly. Destruction will come like the pains of a woman who is having a baby. And those people will not escape.
— 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
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