John 16:33-“I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.”
Jesus, in preparing His disciples for His death, resurrection and departure back to the Father in heaven. He told them that "after a little while, He will no longer be with them physically." He also warned them that they WILL suffer tribulation because of Him, but, even in the midst of suffering they can have His peace because He has overcome the world.
As Jesus said to His disciples back then, He is saying the same to us today. "In this world we WILL have trouble, but in Christ there is peace."
Jesus' promise of "tribulation" clarifies for us that it can not be escaped. Trouble is a part of life that visits all. If it has not visited you yet, "KEEP LIVING"!
As God's people, when we find ourselves experiencing trials and tribulations, hardships, calamities, persecution, etc., we are not to think that something strange is happening to us because we have already been told by Jesus to expect trouble.
1 Peter 4:12-14 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though some strange thing happened to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share in Christ’s sufferings, so that you may rejoice and be glad also in the revelation of His glory. 14 If you are reproached because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
People of God, the Lord our God has called us to a life that runs contrary to the world system, practice, behavior and attitude. A call to be different. A call to be not conformed to the world but transformed by the renewing of our minds.
The good news about tribulation is that God promises to be with us in them. He promises to never leave us nor forsake us.
Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
Psalm 30:5a weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
We can not escape the troubles of this world but we can have God's peace in the midst of them.
Be of good cheer! Jesus got you!
God bless.
Debra
