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. – John 16:33
In this world, we will have tribulation. It’s inevitable. It’s imminent. Trouble has either already made its way into your life, or it is on its way. But. Take. Heart. Jesus has overcome the world. That means, though He doesn’t always remove the threats from our lives, He does render them powerless to do anything that would prevent us from joyfully enduring and prevailing in the end. This is possible because Jesus has defeated the biggest threats of all: sin, Satan and death. This is possible as we trust in and depend on Him when we face the pain of this world’s brokenness and the persecution of this world’s system of hostility toward God and His people. Because of Jesus we can have courage; the kind of courage that does not shrink back from saying and doing the right things no matter what people might think of us, what might happen to us and what it might cost us if we remain faithful to Jesus. Our courage and encouragement are based on this truth: Jesus has overcome all the tribulations and troubles and trials and tests and temptations of this world! And He is in our corner. His power is greater than our enemies, His sovereignty rules over our battles, His promises reside in our hearts, His forgiveness ensures our futures, His presence empowers our lives, and His grace provides for our needs. Confident in this, we press on! We press on, faithful in temptation and hopeful in tribulation, for we know that He will graciously keep us and empower us and provide for us and go with us and deliver us and save us because He has promised to do so. Therefore… Be bold to speak the truth in His love. Be courageous to face enemies with His love. Be encouraged in tribulation by His love. If you are a Christian, take heart today… He has gotten you this far. He has always provided for you. He will do it again. Your tribulation will not last forever; but your joy in Jesus will.
