LEARNING DAILY

 

John 16:33, “These things I have spoken to you, 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

 

Saturday night we attended church with our daughter and family. The pastor shared a verse of Scripture that just impressed me to share in the blog; it is obviously the verse above. I was deeply encouraged by it – and I am not totally sure why. It is probably because of some of the things I have been really struggling with the past few weeks.

 

Jesus said we “will have tribulation in the world”. There was no “might” or “maybe”; you and I are going to experience tribulation in our life! I need for anyone reading this that has not faced tribulation or is not facing some trial right now to reply to this blog and let me know. If you have not faced tribulation or are not dealing with something right now – get ready because it’s coming. How can I be so sure? Jesus said it!

 

This is sort of like James telling us to count all our trials with joy. How do you face those circumstances that just seem ugly and cause you trouble or concern? I think one of the tricks of Satan is to cause Believers to think all of life will be easy, without difficulty once they accept Christ as their Savior. Isn’t that what a lot of preachers make us believe? In the emotion of the moment people accept Christ as their Savior – then what? Without support of Christian people the worries of the world causes them to lose hope and the Word is choked (Matthew 13:22). Becoming a Christian just does not guarantee us an easy way of life. It seems pretty clear that Jesus was saying just the opposite would occur. This verse contains both warning and encouragement. Trials, persecution, and hard times will come; but Jesus has overcome the world.

 

You and I need to get a grip on what that means! The Lord Jesus is telling us that He has all these things under control. He is giving advanced warning because He wants us to be encouraged not to react with any fear or discouragement or confusion. Trials cause us to grow in our Christian walk. Trials cause us to look to the Lord to be our guide and helper as we walk on the narrow way. Trials cause us to hold fast to the Lord and help us to learn to trust Him; remember our writing on Hebrews 11!

 

Look at the verse above again. What did Jesus say we were to have as a result of this warning? What is the encouragement? His peace! He did not promise us worldly comfort; and He did not promise us happiness (sorry). He did promise we could rest in Him. Read what He said in Matthew 11:28,29, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take MY yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you find rest for your souls.” Because you can do this you give Him your trials, your problems, your anxieties and trust that God will work all this out according to His will.

 

Why don’t you agree with me about taking this verse to heart by applying what Jesus said to your situation and watch Him work things out so your faith grows and He is glorified!