Access

Jesus sat with His disciples explaining the grief they would go through at His departure (death). He spoke in terms of hope, telling them about the Holy Spirit who was to come. He shared how good it was for Him to go and for what would come for them. He assured them that though they would grieve, soon after they would understand and their joy would return. It would be a new kind of joy, however, the kind this world cannot take away. Now, this next part should cause us to rise up and shout! Through Jesus death and resurrection, we have access.  I have been a God-follower a long time and read this passage many times, but it struck me new.

We have ACCESS to GOD the FATHER through what Jesus did.

"In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf.
(He no longer has to ask on our behalf once the resurrection and ascension were complete)
No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.
(Because we believe in Jesus (God in flesh/the Living Word) we are displaying our belief in God Himself.)
I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.” John 16:26-28
(Jesus work on earth was nearing an end, the veil would soon be torn from top to bottom, and ACCESS  to God the Father granted to those who believe!)

He Equips the Called

There are times I feel ill-prepared for what the Lord is asking me to to do. I can come up with a long list of reasons why I am not qualified. Thankfully He doesn't ask me to come qualified, but He takes care of the qualifying. Let the Word speak for itself...
Exodus 31: 1 - 6 "Then the Lord said to Moses, ² “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, ³ and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills — ⁴ to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, ⁵ to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts. ⁶ Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you:"

And... It will be worth it...

Galatians 6:9 " Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up"