I Have Overcome the World...

Jesus says, in John 16:33, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Too many today preach a gospel that is trouble free - and if you have troubles, you lack faith... but Jesus said, "you WILL have tribulation"... sounds to me like we can bank on it.

This verse has been running through my mind as I think of various friends or family members who are walking through dark days - hard spots in their life. It's hard to walk with them sometimes. Uncomfortable. Why do you suppose it is so hard for us? Perhaps a glimpse into circumstances we'd rather not consider? Surely that would never happen in our family, right?

But, if we are guaranteed trouble, then how do we respond, especially as those who profess faith in Christ? He says - "take heart" - or "be encouraged". I know, easier said than done... but it goes back to our perspective... is this world the best there is, or is there something more? Oh beloved, let us hope in what is to come - that is why we can take heart - because we know there is something more...

Each trouble we face is an opportunity to shout to the world that our Savior and Lord has conquered all this - and we are looking forward to all eternity with Him...