Daily Devotionals

When Pigs Fly Week 6: Monday

So they arrived in the region of the Gerasenes, across the lake from Galilee. As Jesus was climbing out of the boat, a man who was possessed by demons came out to meet him. For a long time he had been homeless and naked, living in the tombs outside the town. Luke 8:26-27

It does not take long after living on this planet to realize that this world is full of pain, sorrow, and heartache. Sickness comes, relationships fracture, and we lose the things and people we love. If we think about the pain and suffering this life brings for too long, we will be overcome with sadness. Although this world brings unspeakable suffering and heartache, we can have hope that Jesus is still in control and enters our pain and heartache. 

For a man in Luke 8, suffering looked like being possessed by many demons. One day, Jesus came to the region where he lived and immediately went to Jesus (verses 26-27). This man's pain and heartache were significant. Scripture tells us that "for a long time he had been homeless and naked, living in the tombs outside the town" (verse 27). This man's situation was so desperate that he could not function normally. He had no home. Luke 8 tells us that he was also not in control of his mental faculties. He was in a desperate situation, but he was not without hope. He met Jesus, and, as we will see in our Bible study throughout the week, this changed everything.

For the man in Luke 8, his plight was demon possession. For us, our suffering may come in the form of loss, disease, conflict in a relationship, or another form of unspeakable suffering. Scripture teaches that no one on this earth is immune to suffering. Jesus said it this way in John 16:33, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.” Every person knows this truth from Jesus to be true in their own lives. This world brings suffering and heartache. As Jesus taught the truth that this world brings trials and suffering, He also gave hope. He continued teaching in John 16:33, “But take heart, because I have overcome the world. This promise that Jesus has overcome the world is the hope we cling to in the middle of our suffering.

My friend, you may be experiencing pain and suffering, but you also have hope. Jesus has overcome the world. One day, He will return and make everything right. This is the hope you can hold on to in the middle of your darkest suffering. Because of Jesus, we have hope.

Moving toward action

Read the verses from the "Going Deeper" section below. After you read, get a notebook or journal and write a prayer to God. Talk to Him about the verses you read. Tell Him what you learned and how you were encouraged, and ask Him for the courage to change in any areas of your life that need changing. Talk to Him just like you would talk to a friend.

Going Deeper

John 16:16-33

"In a little while you won't see me anymore. But a little while after that, you will see me again."

17 Some of the disciples asked each other, "What does he mean when he says, 'In a little while you won't see me, but then you will see me,' and 'I am going to the Father'? 18 And what does he mean by 'a little while'? We don't understand."

19 Jesus realized they wanted to ask him about it, so he said, "Are you asking yourselves what I meant? I said in a little while you won't see me, but a little while after that you will see me again. 20 I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy. 21 It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world. 22 So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy. 23 At that time you won't need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. 24 You haven't done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.

25 "I have spoken of these matters in figures of speech, but soon I will stop speaking figuratively and will tell you plainly all about the Father. 26 Then you will ask in my name. I'm not saying I will ask the Father on your behalf, 27 for the Father himself loves you dearly because you love me and believe that I came from God. 28 Yes, I came from the Father into the world, and now I will leave the world and return to the Father."

29 Then his disciples said, "At last you are speaking plainly and not figuratively. 30 Now we understand that you know everything, and there's no need to question you. From this we believe that you came from God."

31 Jesus asked, "Do you finally believe? 32 But the time is coming-indeed it's here now-when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. 33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."