“These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble.”
August 31, 2022
What causes people to develop a grudge against God? Some possibilities are persecution, disappointment, rebuke, resentment at being rebuked, and envy at how somebody else is being blessed. The Lord Jesus knows we all have this tendency to resent God. In John 16:1-4, Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble. They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me. But these things I have told you, that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you of them.”
Jesus was saying, “I’m going to Heaven. I’m leaving you here. Don’t get offended.” If you’ve got a grudge against God, tell God about it. If you’ve got honest questions, bring them to God. Don’t come to the Lord with false expectations. You say, “Pastor, I thought it was wonderful to serve Jesus.” It is. If I had a thousand lives, I’d give every one of them to Jesus Christ. I’m not disappointed in Jesus, but I don’t want to carry a grudge because of any false expectations.
Take time today to confess any false expectations you have of God. Ask Him to help you release these so that you won’t hold a grudge against Him.
Discover the power and purpose of prayer through this Write the Word Scripture Journal. You'll discover that faithful prayer is impactful because God hears the prayers of His people and keeps His promises to those who call on His name. With space for personal reflections, prayers, and insights, this journal focuses on how prayer transforms your heart, deepens your faith, and invites God’s presence into your daily life.