Overcomers

“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)

We’d like to believe that the Bible is filled with positivity and encouragement and it is, however, it is also filled with revelation and warning. Jesus had just summarized a message that he had shared with his disciples and although the message was somewhat dismal, there was also a promise that there would be something to look forward to.  

Children are often sheltered from the harshness of reality. Their life, we hope, is free from the troublesome burdens of the day but we know that there will come a time when they will be introduced to the harsh truth of life and shown how to navigate in it. The disciples were experiencing a somewhat similar transition as Jesus was preparing them for his departure.  Although this was going to be difficult for the disciples, he wanted to reassure them that it was going to be okay. In a world that is at enmity with God, they would have peace. This seems an ominous statement especially in light of hearing that they will experience trouble but trouble is not the end for those who are in Christ.

God does not abandon His children; Jesus reconciles us to the Father, and it is that reconciliation that brings hearts filled with joy. No one and nothing can keep us from the peace and love of God!