In This World!

“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)

Every time I read John, I get excited! I feel like Jesus is speaking expressly to me and I am listening. "I have told you these things..." What things?

All the problems we see within our society--the persecution for being a follower of Christ, the scorners, the spectators, and the haters of all things right, He's already told us about them. Why are we surprised? We shouldn't be. If we really pay attention to The Word, we'd know that there is truly nothing new under the sun. The alternative lifestyles that refute God's Word about righteous living--lies already foretold. The strange things--in weather and things that don't make sense--foretold. Those in positions of leadership in ministry--openly rebellious against The Word and trying to attempt to make others believe their lives--foretold.

Now He has forewarned us by telling us before things happen so we would know that His Word is true. We need not worry, but simply receive His peace about everything that is happening and know that He has overcome--all the enemy will attempt to use to destroy us.

Hallelujah! He has overcome the world (prince of this world) and so have we because He has given us the means to do so through Holy Spirit! We have no need to fear--Holy Spirit is here--to guide and lead and remind us of all we have been told and to give us insight into those things yet to come.

Don't let the turmoil and unrest in the world dissuade you or discourage you in your walk with God! Know that He has already provided us a way of escape from all the negative things the enemy has planned. Praise Him for His peace and rest in it!