Pain and trust

Jesus said to his disciples: But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. (John 16: 5-11)

When we are separated from people we love, we experience great pain. What Jesus rebukes His disciples for, however, is not primarily this kind of pain nor for even the love they have for Him. Jesus reprimands them for not being able to trust Him, while first seeking to understand him. Really loving Jesus also means trusting in His Word. Let us strive to be as obedient as possible to God’s plans even before we know where they will lead us.