	Bob Hostetler > Devotions

Hard Pressed...but Not Crushed/h1>

by Bob Hostetler

"In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?" (John 14:2, NIV).

Stephen M. Newman's book, Worldwalk, chronicles his accomplishment of walking around the world. In the course of his singular achievement, he ate and slept in barns, shacks, fields, stores and homes, large and small.

Jesus and His disciples were also itinerants during the three years of Jesus' ministry. The Lord's entourage of thirteen men doubtless spent many nights sleeping in the open air or in cramped quarters. The typical home of Jesus' day was a one- or two-room dwelling, and the family's livestock -- sheep, goats, chickens -- was often brought in at night!

How significant, then, that Jesus, in preparing His disciples for His departure, promised them eternal lodgings with "many rooms." Certainly He knew how tiring an itinerant ministry could be.

The Lord's promise of eternity fits our needs even today. To those of us whose lives are lonely, He promises the fellowship of the saints; to those weary of stress, He promises rest; to those who tire of conflict, He promises peace; to those who grieve, He promises comfort. He promises an eternity that is big enough to meet every need.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the promise of an eternity big enough to meet my needs. Amen.

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