Have you ever had a time in your life when you experienced so much pain that perhaps you didn’t know if or how you would survive? Well, I have. I’ve gone through times when it literally hurt to draw a breath. Times when I couldn’t pray for God to help me make it through the day, rather I prayed that He would help me make it through the next 10 minutes. Times when all I could pray was a whispered, “Help!” Life can be like that sometimes. Life keeps us on our toes!
The enemy, who comes to steal, kill and destroy seizes every moment to feed us with lies during our vulnerable moments. Lies like “you will never get through this!” and, “God doesn’t care!” In those moments you feel like giving up because you have zero energy left to fight, but I’m here to remind you that you serve one who is an Overcomer. He says, “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” John 16:33. Jesus has already overcome the world and He has made you more than a conqueror through Himself. You’re an overcomer… through Christ Jesus. You may not believe it now, and you may not have the strength to tell your mountain to move, but the fact still remains! Your victory is in the name of One who has already overcome the world.
We are not called to overcome this world on our own because Jesus already did. It is because of this reality that we can “take heart” and “be of good courage.” The reality of Christ’s victory over sin and death via his own death and resurrection provides us with peace and courage in the midst of opposition. There will be trials and troubles in this world, so don’t be shocked or surprised when they come. Instead, take heart in the finished work of Jesus Christ.
The world and its trouble will try to overcome you but cannot if you put your hope in Jesus Christ. If you’re facing trials right now, you can have joy while your tears flow. You can rejoice in the midst of pain. You can be courageous even when your strength fails. Because your Savior, Jesus Christ, took on your sorrow, pain, and weakness. The One who stands with you is greater than the prince of this world!
Respond:
- How are you called to live in light of John 16:33?
- What would be an appropriate way to respond to Jesus’ words in John 16:33? Ask yourself this question, “What do I hope in?”
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Angelisa is a Jesus enthusiast, Worship leader & Christian youth leader. She considers herself to be the old-fashioned type of girl who loves spicy food and belly bottom laughter. Among her passions are singing, working with children, and encouraging others.