“But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you.” John 16:7 NLT
When the journey is difficult, the end is much more appreciated. Christ provides an example of this with the pain felt during childbirth to the joy experienced after a child has been born.
With Christ’s approaching departure, the disciples were beginning to question why He needed to leave them. Christ was their friend, their teacher, their instructor, their counsellor, and their mentor. What would they do in His absence? How would their mission continue without their leader?
Christ tells them that his departure was necessary in order to allow the coming of the Advocate, their Comforter. The sending of the Spirit was the fruit of His death and this could only take place by him going away. His bodily presence could only be in one place at one time, but his Spirit is everywhere – in all places at all times.
There was pain and sorrow that would have filled the hearts of Christ’s disciples. But the joy and comfort received by the gift of the Holy Spirit was designed to dwarf the pain felt with His death. This Holy Spirit that provided comfort for the disciples some 2,000 years ago, is the same spirit that provides comfort for us today.
Lock Your Wings 
That stood out for me too: the journey is worth it when you reach the end.
“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.”
John 16:21 NLT
Or in the case of renovating 😏 the pains of redoing, multiple trips to Home Depot, the money spent, frustrating cabinet building, missing pieces after stores close, and unknown obstacles are almost forgotten in the joy and pride that follows the end of the job.
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