John 14:18 I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you." vs18

Jesus Christ has come to us by God the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we are powerful and comforted. Therefore, we are able to be used, because it is not us but Jesus Christ the Lord. If He'd left us orphans, then we could say, "I can't do anything," or, "I am limited." Coming to us by the gospel, however, eliminates all excuses. We have all the power, because it is Christ working in us by the gospel [Colossians 1:29]. Therefore, we can live the Christian life, we can overcome, and we can do all things. Philippians 4:13, “I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

This is the heroism of the gospel; it is realizing all that we have in Him [2 Pet 1:2-4]. Salvation is never added to! It is never Christ and us; it is Christ in us, and that makes all the difference [Colossians 1:27]. Salvation is realizing that He's made us new creations and forgiven our sins. It's realizing that we have the promises. 2 Peter 1:3-4, “His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. By these He has given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may share in the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desires.”

Do you know who you are in Christ? If so, then you know, Christ is in you, working powerfully in His might [Isaiah 40:29]. You can overcome sins. You can live to spread the gospel. You can have the peace and joy that He's commanded. You can be holy, loving, and kind. You are zealous of good works. Let's get out of unbelief into faith. Let’s believe what we have.

Secondly, there is a great reward for those who obey and live godly. Jesus said,

John 14:21, "The one who has My commands and keeps them is the one who loves Me. And the one who loves Me will be loved by My Father. I also will love him and will reveal Myself to him.”

He'll reveal Himself to us in grace and mercy. He'll supply strength we don't have, plus pardon and forgiveness. He'll show Himself faithful, and we'll overcome obstacles of sin, unbelief, and difficulty. Mountains will be flattened. Zechariah 4:7, “What are you, great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain. And he will bring out the capstone accompanied by shouts of: ‘Grace, grace to it!’”

God's grace is a REWARDING grace. First, He empowers us to obey, then He rewards our obedience. First, He works in us, and then He rewards us. First, He cleanses, and then He rewards us with joy and peace. This is the goodness of God.

We must see Him as a rewarder, so we can battle our sins. There's something more to life than a guilty mind. There's life beyond Satan's oppression. There's a life of faith and love… assurance and boldness… which abounds with humility and tenderness. Forgiveness is ours, and so is the pleasure of obedience. There's strength to overcome temptation at night and joy in the morning. These things must be experienced.

Believe in this goodness of God, and take it. Spread it abroad, and let others know that life is good. Romans 15:13 "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Thirdly, we have a command. Our hearts must not be fearful but trusting. We cannot honor God in unbelief.

John 14:27,

“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful."

Let us be bold as lions in the righteousness of God, fearing no situation, so long as God is king [Prov 28:1]. Resting in His sovereignty and His love, let us know that He will provide for us through the means that He's appointed. Let us give our ears to obedience and our hearts to sincere trust. Use faith and the word, casting doubts aside as rubbish. He will supply our needs, for He cares for us. 1 Peter 5:7 "Casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you." He's not a mountain top God only, but He's also in the valleys [1 Kings 20:28]. He's given us His word, His Son, and He's faithful. He's the only reason we are saved. Will He deny us now? Impossible [Rom 5:10]!

Stand up, children of God, for the veracity of Christ, when you are afflicted. Stand up for Him. Murmur not, nor be disquieted [Phil 2:14]. Go to our God, and get peace. Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”