The Encourager

The above may seem a rather sad or morbid way to start a biblical reading but it is from someone who has and does struggle with this rather difficult issue. However my prayer is that it reaches those who need it most……people like me. I had been asking various friends for a good bible – based  reason not to attempt or commit suicide but couldn’t find one that convinced me. But I hadn’t asked Jesus. Until the other night in hospital. Sometimes we have to hit a really low place, metaphorically not literally before we start to pick up again. Well the next day I read John 13:33 – 14:4 in my bible. It is a conversation between Jesus and his disciples, where he predicts Peter’s denial just before his trial, death and resurrection. I was touched in a way different to the typical. In 13:36 Jesus replied, Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later. The emphasis I noticed is that Jesus is saying I can go heaven YES, but not yet, I have to wait till later.

The biblical conversation continues about Peter’s denial of Jesus three times. The first four verses of chapter 14 is Jesus assurance of many rooms in heaven where Jesus is going to prepare a place for them [and us] and to not be afraid. Then we get to another bit that stood out to me. In verse three Jesus says : “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” This is where the writing by Dave and Jan Dravecky in my N.I.V. Encouragement Bible [The answer for those who hurt], Joni and friends helped. See more on Joni and friends in links. An international ministry to the disabled. 

Anyway they pointed out that it’s Jesus who will come back to fetch me not an angel or celestial swooping mechanical arm. And it’s NOT  up to me, Jesus will come to take me personally, in HIS TIME! I have NO NEED  to pre -empt Jesus job of taking me to my final home. After all , it may not be ready yet. Then he would have to send me back. I still have work for him here on earth. Now it’s just the ongoing need to break the old bad habits like the one we’ve been reading about today. Let’s all pray and fight on to rid this world of suicide. Pray for people like me too, those who struggle with issues and try to help others similar to themselves. May you know the peace and comfort of Christ. Colourful – Dave Longworth.