I once had a job where I was hired to sit in an office all day on behalf of my boss, who lived on the other side of the country. For a whole year, I acted as the mediator and stand-in for my boss in situations where she couldn’t be physically present. There were a lot of relaying messages and “Let me get back to you.” And while it wasn’t the most exciting position I’ve ever had, I was just grateful it paid the bills!
This random part of my job history came to mind as I read from John 15 and 16 today. Jesus had been talking with His disciples about all the things to come. The disciples who walked with Jesus had always known Him in His physical form. I’m sure it was hard to imagine any other situation.
However, with the coming of the promised Counselor, He says He will always be with them but not in the way they would expect (John 16:7).
“When the Counselor comes, the one I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father—he will testify about me.”
—John 15:26
Can you imagine the confusion and fear they probably felt as they tried to understand that things would no longer be the way they’d always been? Jesus was a friend and their guide—the One who told them what to do, where to go, and when!
They had not yet experienced the joy of the Holy Spirit. He would speak God’s truth, even when Jesus was no longer physically present.
In the same way, the power of the Holy Spirit today is available to all of God’s people at all times. But don’t we so often forget the Spirit’s power? I forget that we have a Counselor who speaks on our behalf. A Counselor who is present with us (John 16:7), who convicts us about sin (v.8), and who declares to us what He hears from the Lord (v.13).
Today’s reading reminds us that we will both endure pain here on earth and reap eternal blessings with God (vv.22–24)! Suffering in our world is inevitable. But God has already defeated the darkness of this world, and as He has overcome the world, He strengthens us to face it today (John 16:33).
The blessing of the Holy Spirit—God’s presence living in us—is for all God’s people! We don’t deserve to have this close access to God and His Spirit, but He gives of Himself freely anyway.
Thank you, Lord, for your incredible gift of yourself!
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30 thoughts on "The Promised Counselor"
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Sharon, I too hope nonbelievers come to our churches this week. I think “So many don’t get it” is true on both sides. In talking with non believers, many are kept away by condemning and judgmental actions and words of church members. Lord, help us to truly love one another. Show us and help us take down any road blocks preventing others from hearing or seeing You. May we be welcoming to all so that they may hear the good news, by your grace and mercy. Amen.
I pray that I would feel the nearness of the spirit. This past week has been difficult with my husband going to trial. He is a lawyer, and he has been coming home at 1:30 in the morning and then leaving early in the morning. We have a 3 year old and a six month old, so I have felt very alone this week. My youngest still isn’t sleeping through the night, so I’m not getting a full night’s sleep too. I pray that I would also know how to support my husband right now during his challenges, when I just feel like all I can do is take care of our daughters and myself. I’m so thankful that my mother in law has been staying with us to help, but nothing is the same as my husband. I also just miss him.
Thank y’all for the prayers for my mom & family as we navigate this time.
I’m so grateful to know Jesus…to have His Holy Spirit. How do people live life without the strength, guidance, hope, & love of our God & Savior?!
29 Even on the male and female servants
in those days I will pour out my Spirit. – Joel 2:29. What a great reminder how powerful the blessing of the Holy Spirit really is! As I have navigated really hard times this past year it is such a great reminders that no matter how much pain we endure here on earth we will have eternal blessings. How cool is that? @SARAH D. I stopped in my tracks yesterday to pray for you and your job situation. God has a plan for you and I know it will be better than anything you could imagine. Happy Wednesday ladies! We got more snow in Montana yesterday ugh! I don’t know how much more snow we could possibly get haha but we have highs of 70 next week!
Father God thank You, Thank YOU, THANK YOU, for the gifts of Your One and Only Son and Your Holy Spirit. There are times when I forget or ignore You, Christ and Your Spirit and forgive me for that. As we get closer to the days we celebrate the days of Your Son’s death and of His RESURRECTION, remind me I SHOULD BE CELEBRATING them EACH AND EVERY DAY NOT just once a year!!! Almighty Lord I praise You for ALL You have done for me — good and bad — it has made me a stronger person. Please watch over us in the coming days. Bless us as You see fit NOT as we see fit. Help us to fight our battles and win the ones You want us to win. In Christ’s name, amen.
Sisters, be blessed and reach out to God no matter what you need, big or small.
@ Rhonda- Prayers that your grandson would feel the love of God and see that Love demonstrated through you and your husband. How our hearts ache for the ones we love to come into relationship with our Jesus! God made a way for him to be with you in the first place so I believe those seeds are being planted! Praying! ❤️
PS. I saw His Only Son last weekend! Tells the story in such a REAL way. The characters are so believable, like in The Chosen series. I think you’ll like it.
Such words of comfort-“In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.” And I’m beyond grateful for that! Give me eyes to see, ears to hear, and a mind to understand your gift of the Holy Spirit you have given us.
Asking for prayers today. First that my daughter would let me take my grandson with us to Easter services, and actually that she would come as well.
Also, prayers of comfort for a close friend of mine who lost her sister to cancer yesterday. And for her sister’s family- husband, four children, and grands.
Thank you ❤️
GM She’s!
Love that Sharon! So true! It’s so simple, we have the bible that tell’s us the whole story of redemption, yet this generation has strayed once again. My grandson is here, and we are modeling a God centered life. Will it register, we don’t know. He is 14 in a ungodly home. (We are also working on table manners, omg! Stuffing food, no napkin..) He remembers we say grace first before eating. This morning I suggested his turn, and he said it didn’t know how. So gave advice, and I am hoping to hear him pray before he leaves!! GOD..keep showing up for us, Spirit come in his tender heart now before he leaves.
How our hearts ache for the unsaved, but God- we were all there at some point, even when growing up in church, we individually had to decide ourselves that we were sinful and needed Jesus, and to die to ourselves. I don’t really think I understood for a long time. And then of the Holy Spirit? Still a little confused till somewhat recently with the study of Ann Graham’s “Jesus in Me.” It was a good study. I hope that we will pray to ignite the Spirit within us daily! WE have to call upon it. We have to grow in our relationship with Jesus. Be in the word daily (thank you SRT!), in prayer without ceasing, and meditation and actively listening!
Have you all heard about the movie “My Only Son” playing in select theaters this wkd? I hope to go see it Saturday!! I love to support these Christian storytellers on the big screen. It is about Abraham and his son Issac that God has ordered for a sacrifice.
Praying for all of you dear She’s! And I love seeing lots of new names! We are all special in his sight!
Dear JMW, the last several years at my job I continually prayed for 2 difficult bosses and recently a difficult coworker and God helped me deal with all those relationships and gave me peace. It’s not easy going thru these storms but God turned my heart around and my attitude towards these individuals improved. My confidence improved. Things got better and praying things will improve for you too. Praying for Lynne from Alabama and Jack, dear Molly and so many others.
How somber that night must have been when Jesus sat at the table with His disciples. His heart so heavy, knowing what would take place in the next few hours and the suffering and pain that He would endure. The disciples even at this point didn’t get it. But then, they didn’t have the whole Bible all written out like we do. And yet, with all of the scripture and the truth of the gospel being taught – so many still don’t get it. They refuse to believe the simple truth that God loves them and Jesus died for them. Praying that as Resurrection Sunday comes and many non-believers will be in our churches, that they’re eyes will be opened and they will by faith receive the free gift of salvation that Christ’s death has made possible.
Praying for all your requests as I read them – have a blessed Wednesday!
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Thank you Lord!
We’re never alone ❤️
Kelly, Thank you for this reminder. As I pray earnestly for my wayward daughter, you have been an encouragement to me this morning.
Thankful for the Spirit who lives in us and is with us always. Praying that I would praying without ceasing throughout my day.
Back to work this week with the new, later shift. Trying to keep positive, but every day feels like a mental battle. Part of me just wants to put in my two weeks even though I don’t have another job lined up. Would love you continued prayers! The end of last week was hard with the dating relationship ending and not hearing anything back yet on the jobs I applied for. Thankful for time with family this past weekend and thankful for Holy week. Fixing my eyes on Christ.
Amen, @Kelly (Neo)!!!
Amen@Kelly Neo. By His mercy, May they come to know.
Father God, thank You for Jesus. Thank you for the Holy Spirit. Fill me afresh today! I want to hear and head Yoir voice. I need you. Amen.
So thankful for the Holy Spirit that lives in us! I pray we would feel the nearness of God today and live out of the power that we are equipped with!
Today is my two-year anniversary of being an occupational therapist :) We had such gorgeous weather in Delaware yesterday and I was able to take 6/7 patients outside yesterday! Everyone loved the sunshine and the cool breeze, and it made me so thankful for how I get to impact lives every day. I pray everyone has a blessed Wednesday <3
Thank you Jesus❣️
Holy Spirit guides us into all truth and declares to us the things that are to come. Our wonderful Counselor! Thanks be to God!
John 16: 33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
What a confusing, yet confirming and comforting time for the disciples. Praise and thank You for these words of truth that never change. Help me, Lord, to seek you daily, hourly, by the minute, and to be aware of the Holy Spirit’s conviction and guidance.
KELLY (NEO) – Amen!
MOLLY R – Dear sister, you have a very full-to-overflowing plate that understandably feels/is overwhelming. We are praying for you, your siblings and your parents, for the wisdom, guidance, understanding and daily strength you need. Praying that you feel His love and our prayers each day as you work through & overcome the challenges for the day, for the weather to improve so you can see and feel the renewal that spring brings. ❤️
DOROTHY – thank you for your testimony of God’s hand in your family’s lives!
PAMC – good to see you back! So sorry about your mom’s diagnosis, praying for wisdom and comfort. ❤️
Thank you Jesus!
Praise God for His gifts of salvation and the Spirit, I’m blown away by his goodness! (2 Cor 9:15)
Thank you Father for loving us
“When he comes, he will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment”
Thanks be to God that it is not our responsibility to make people understand their sin. All you Shes who are praying for loved ones to come (or return) to Jesus (me included), may this truth be a comfort to you as you pray for their hearts to soften to the Spirit’s conviction, their eyes to be opened to Christ’s righteousness and their minds to gain understànding of God’s judgment.
Thank you even though thank you doesn’t seem to be enough
Thank you Lord
Thank You God!!