LEARNING DAILY

John 16:33, These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.

“Take courage. Be courageous. Take heart. Be of good cheer.” That is what Jesus told His disciples as they were about to face very difficult and troubling times. He would be leaving them soon and they would face persecution, suffering, and death in different manners. Believers, today are being persecuted, killed, despised by the world for their beliefs and for following Jesus. In this verse the Lord Jesus is reminding us there should be no surprise when difficulties and challenges come into the lives of Believers. As Jesus was preparing His disciples for what was to come, He prepares Believers mentally for what may come their way.

“Take courage. Be courageous. Take heart. Be of good cheer.” Jesus also gave hope, encouragement, and reassurance. In Him Believers are to persevere, be strong, and walk with Him in faith and obedience. Why? How? He has overcome the world!  Because He has, Believers are encouraged to hold onto their faith and trust in Him to help us when struggles and difficulties caused by following Him occur. He reminds us that struggles will happen, but Believers do not have to face them alone; their strength and courage can be found in their walk with Him. “Take courage. Be courageous. Take heart. Be of good cheer.” Stay strong in your faith, Jesus Christ is with you; you are not alone! 1 John 2:28 reminds Believers that inner peace and courage come from “abiding, remaining, enduring in Jesus.”

Believers can “Take courage. Be courageous. Take heart. Be of good cheer” because they have learned to trust Him in all situations. You may be learning to do this – if so, know that there is no reason to live in fear or with anxiety because your loving Father knows exactly what you are facing in every situation (Romans 8:28) and is with you (1 John 4:18). Read Romans 8:31-39 to be reminded that nothing can separate the Believer from His love – no trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, poverty, danger, or conflict. Even when facing death, Believers can say they have victory through their Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57).

Why can Believers say this and live like this? “I (Jesus) have overcome the world.” Believers can “Take courage. Be courageous. Take heart. Be of good cheer” because they belong to the One who overcame the world and nothing in this world can harm them because they have victory through our lord Jesus Christ in the end. He acknowledges there will be worldly troubles; He wants Believers to find their courage and faith by trusting in Him and His Word as they face challenges. “These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”