Key Notes for Leaning in
- When we are confused and frustrated with our current circumstances, John models how we should approach these trying times.
- Lean in for answers- When Jesus said, “one of you is going to betray me” (John 13:21). That statement caused the disciples confusion and distress, much like events in our day make us feel. As the other disciples stared at one another, at a loss; John leaned in and asked, “Lord, who is it” (John 13: 22-25)
- Ask personal questions, they are welcome– God is not put off by our questions. He created us to have relationship with Him. So, when we lean in with our concerns and inquiries He answers.
- Lean in for perspective- Because John stayed close, he was able to get a grasp of God’s perspective on the times.
- Ask God for perspective-When things in our lives and world seem to be swirling out of control, we must lean in and ask God for His perspective. When we see things from God’s perspective we can have peace in the midst of chaos, trusting Him to bring His work to completion – for our good!
- It’s time to lean in! Over the past several years, we have been inundated with bad news, divisive news, and discouraging news but now is the time to lean in to Jesus. If we stick close to Him, like John did, He will answer our questions. He will give us understanding of His perspective. He will give us specific direction for the days ahead.
In Summary
God is saying, “lean in.” He wants to give us strength and peace for each day. Listen now as Jodie Chiricosta, VP of Somebody Cares America, shares how John the Beloved and others leaned into Jesus in the midst of trying circumstances and received exactly what they needed. If we stick close to Jesus and lean in, He will answer our questions too. He will open our eyes to see from His perspective. Also, He will give us specific direction for the days ahead. He may even use us to leave a lasting legacy for future generations to follow! He’s waiting for you!
Key Scriptures to help us lean on the Lord
– “After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, “Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.” John 13:21 (NIV)
– “His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant. One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, “Ask him which one he means.” Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?”” John 13:22-25 (NIV)
David leaned into the Lord.
– “he inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?” The Lord answered him, “Go, attack the Philistines and save Keilah.” I Samuel 23:2 (NIV)
– “Once again David inquired of the Lord, and the Lord answered him, “Go down to Keilah, for I am going to give the Philistines into your hand.”” I Samuel 23: 4 (NIV)
Rebekah also leaned into the Lord while she was pregnant with Esau and Jacob.
– “The babies jostled each other within her, and she said, “Why is this happening to me?” So she went to inquire of the Lord.” Genesis 25:22 (NIV)
– “The Lord said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” Genesis 25:23 (NIV)
God asks us to lean into Him.
– “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.” John 15:9-14 (NIV)
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
John 3:16-17 (NIV)
“But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.” Matthew 26:56
Romans 8:28-39
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.
Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:28-39 (NIV)
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