“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)

Jesus openly acknowledges that we will experience trials, tribulation, and sorrow throughout our lives.  Life happens.  Life is unfair and hard at times.  We experience death and we ask why?  We experience a loss of a job and we ask why?  We experience broken relationships and we ask why?  We experience meanness and rudeness and we ask why?  We experience loneliness and we ask why?  We experience things and we do not understand why so we ask, “Why is this happening to me?”

In this scripture Jesus tells his disciples that there will be tribulation in this world—but he has overcome the world.  This scripture takes place just before Jesus is arrested and crucified.  He is preparing His disciples for the fear, confusion, and persecution they will soon face. When Jesus died on the cross—through his death he has prepared a way for us.

For when tribulations occur, he is with us.  When death occurs, he is with us.  When loneliness occurs, he is with us.  When misfortune occurs, he is with us.  When illness overwhelms us, he is with us. When a loss of a job happens, he is with us.  When a broken relationship occurs, he is with us.  When tragedy occurs, he is with us.  

Jesus’ command His followers to “take heart” because His resurrection and sacrifice have already conquered sin, pain, suffering, and the world.  For peace is not found in the absence of problems, but in a close, personal connection with Jesus Christ our Lord. And what is it that overcomes the world “our faith”.  So, the next time life gets in the way, remember God is with you—He will see you through whatever you are going through.  God Bless.  Amen.

denise