We’re jumping into the back third of the Gospel of John. The disciples are gathered in the upper room and the tension of the disciples is sky high right now.

The triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem is far outside of their minds. Any notion of their previous understanding of who Christ was seems to be out the window. They are now grasping for security and only finding chaos.

The sudden shift only occurred about a chapter back in this gospel account where Jesus revealed his betrayer, announced his departure, and rebuked Peter by telling him he would deny Him even after Peter proclaimed his allegiance to Him even unto death.

They are unsettled. The disciples and their mounting tension in this room was leaving them in a panic. They thought everything they once knew was falling apart before their eyes.

Have you been there before?

Have you been in a situation and circumstance in a season where you thought you had everything figured out only for it to crumble before your eyes? You find yourself trapped in a nightmare, frantically searching for a way out but finding no comfort, no peace?

We’ve all been there. Maybe you are there right now.

There is hope for you.

It is critical as we go through difficult times, circumstances, and seasons—because they will come—that we don’t focus on that but instead we focus on how we go through these difficult times.

Sometimes in the moment we can miss what the Lord is doing in these stressful times and we need a reminder of God’s presence in our lives. Sometimes his presence comes in the form of an encouraging word. Sometimes it comes in the form of a strong rebuke. Sometimes it comes in this heartfelt conviction.

The Lord reaches us in ways if we are seeking Him. He might use brothers and sisters in Christ to give you that encouraging word or to rebuke you.

He might use his Holy Spirit to reach into the depths of your heart and remind you that He is there for you. He does this so your faith and belief would flourish.

If we allow our difficult circumstances to overtake us, we will miss what God is doing in our lives.

This morning we will look at these troubled, anxiety-ridden, scared disciples. We’re going to also look at our loving, compassionate, and steadfast Savior.

Despite their flaws and inconsistences and unfaithfulness, Christ continues to love them and work through them.

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