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." John 16:33
Some of the most difficult things for me to face are things that are unknown. This is why I read the ending of books too early, research the ending of movies before I see them, and begin to panic in my own life when I do not know how something is going to turn out. Unknown situations are difficult for me to face. As I write this, we are facing unprecedented times with the Coronavirus outbreak, and everything feels very uncertain, confusing, and painful. One thing is certain, however. Scripture makes it clear that while this world has times of pain and suffering, Jesus has overcome the world.
John 16 records a conversation with Jesus and His disciples. During this conversation, Jesus tells His disciples what to expect for the future. As He tells them what is coming, He does not promise that everything on earth will be good. In fact, He says in verse 33: "Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows." That is what we can expect on earth. While we are on earth, we will experience trials and sorrows. This life is going to be hard and painful. That is not the end of the story, however. Jesus continues by saying, "But take heart because I have overcome the world." This, my friends, is the hope we can hold on to during our monsoons.
I'm not sure what you're facing today, but I want to give you hope. I want to let you know that while trials and sorrows are expected on this earth, Christ has already overcome the world, and one day all of these things will pass away. Hold on to this truth today and cling to Christ. Be encouraged that the pain and sorrow we feel is not the end, because Christ has overcome the world. Take heart, my friend.
Whatever pain and sorrow you are facing today, rest assured that Jesus is still in control and working in your life. Take some time now to write down John 16:33. Then, take some time to memorize this verse. Whenever you start fearing the unknown and the uncertainty that comes from a particular monsoon that you are facing, remember John 16:33. Take heart, because Christ has overcome the world.
Read John 16:25-33 (NLT)
“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. Then you will ask in my name. I’m not saying I will ask the Father on your behalf, for the Father himself loves you dearly because you love me and believe that I came from God. Yes, I came from the Father into the world, and now I will leave the world and return to the Father.”
Then his disciples said, “At last you are speaking plainly and not figuratively. Now we understand that you know everything, and there’s no need to question you. From this we believe that you came from God.”
Jesus asked, “Do you finally believe? 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. 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.”
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