What do you want from God?

Written originally on December 7th, 2020

In today’s gospel (Hatour 28) the first thing Jesus tells his disciples is “Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.” (John 16:20)

Today’s gospel mirrors the readings read on the Eve of Good Friday (Thursday night) as Jesus tells his disciples that he will be given up to the authorities and will endure much pain, and as a result, the disciples will also endure pain. From this one verse we can understand three main things:

1. We will weep and lament

2. The world will rejoice

3. Sorrow will turn to joy

Now, as Christ is the bridegroom, why in the world would he tell his followers “You will suffer?” It is out of His gracious love that He is honest with us about the way the world will treat us.

The world unfortunately is not kind to Christians. We have, as a Coptic Church, offered more than 40 million people from all walks of life, who gave up themselves and suffered for the eternal crown. Now suffering from persecution is not the only kind of suffering. One may suffer from internal mental warfare that they have no power over. Another may suffer from the emotional abuse they receive for being a Christian. A third may receive it in forms of discrimination, injustice, or even just the silence of others during personal struggle.

But through this storm God’s promises are very clear as He told his disciples “I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.” (v. 22).

And after He fed us from this hope, He now asks us to ask! Ask anything in His name. He is asking you “My son... My daughter... ask what you want and I will give you ‘that your joy may be full’.”

God wants to give each and every one of us what they want, for He is a good father and a loving and caring friend who loved us all so much that He gave Himself for us,

Food for thought: What is one thing you want to ask God to give you today?

Patristic Quote of the Day:

Who would not desire to be without sadness? who would not hasten to attain to joy? But when our sadness shall be turned into joy, the Lord Himself again declares, when He says, "I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice; and your joy no man shall take from you."

- Cyprian of Carthage

May God give you your heart’s desires for the glory of His name,

Mena B