Heartache and disappointment are a part of this life. Just when things seem to be going well, tragedy strikes. Whether it is a dear neighbor moving away, a personal setback, such as the loss of a job or health problems, or even the sudden death of a loved one, life can sometimes deal us seemingly "un-get-over-able" blows. This is exactly how the apostles must have felt at the thought of Jesus no longer being with them physically. In John 14-16, Jesus prepared the apostles for His departure. Soon after giving the instructions found in these three chapters, Jesus would suffer a cruel death on Calvary's cross, be raised from the dead, and ascend to the Father. The "Comforter" is promised to the apostles in this section (Jn. 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7), because they needed great comfort at this crucial time. From this section of Scripture, let us consider four principles that will allow us to overcome difficult times in life.

Trust in God

Jesus begins His comfort of the apostles by saying, "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me" (Jn. 14:1). Because the apostles had just learned of Jesus' coming departure and Peter's coming denial of Jesus (Jn. 13:31-38), they could have easily become overwhelmingly discouraged. Thus, Jesus urges them to continue believing in Him. Only in this way could they keep their hearts from being troubled. Belief in God involves trusting in His word and His overall plan for us (Pr. 3:5-7). No matter what disappointments or tragedies happen in life, we can overcome by trusting in the Lord's plan and promises (cf. Rom. 8:28).

Realize This World Is Not Our Home

Next, Jesus comforts them by saying, "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also" (Jn. 14:2-3). The comfort to the apostles is this: while they were sad to be separated from Him, they could be reunited with Him one day. This thought of the afterlife with Jesus can sustain us through the difficulties of life (Rom. 8:18; Rev. 2:10).

Continue to Work in the Vineyard of the Lord

In the midst of comforting the apostles, Jesus reminds them of their purpose in relation to Him: "I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman....5I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned" (Jn. 15:1, 5-6). As depressing as it is to lose their close friend and fellow-worker, the apostles must not become so depressed that they lose sight of their purpose upon this earth-to bear fruit! "Fruit" in this context primarily refers to Christ-like characteristics, such as a life of study and prayer (15:7), continuing in love for God and others (15:9-10, 12-13), obedience (15:10, 14), and joy in Him (15:11). Elsewhere, it can refer to converts (Rom. 1:13). Sometimes when a preacher leaves a congregation, people "quit the church." We must not allow ourselves to be unproductive in the Lord's vineyard. Jesus tells us that we must continue to "abide" in Him. No matter what the difficulties in life, we must not forget the work at hand (Mt. 28:19-20; Mk. 16:15-16). Life must go on, and our life is Christ (Phil. 1:21)!

Be at Peace

Jesus ends this section on comforting His apostles with two points. First, He tells them of imminent difficulties: "Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me" (Jn. 16:32 cf. Mt. 26:56). Second, He tells them of the tremendous peace they can have: "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (Jn. 16:33). Since Jesus has overcome the world, and since we "abide" in Jesus, we can have the peace that He offers. As long as we are a part of this world, there will be difficulties ("tribulation"). However, with Christ, we can have the "peace of God, which passeth all understanding" (Phil. 4:7).

No matter what heartaches and disappointments come our way in this life, we must trust God and His word, realize that this world is not to be our permanent home, continue doing the will of God to His glory, and be at peace with the Lord Jesus. "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not" (Gal. 6:9).