“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation/trouble: but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world.”
I want to share with you what I found in this text that I have read many times, and quoted on several occasions, but, until now, has escaped my notice. I found three promises that Jesus made to those who would serve Him. Jesus gave a promise of tribulation/trouble. Jesus did not want his disciples to think that by serving Him they would escape trouble. Actually, this is a promise for the ages: “In the world…. you shall have trouble." This is a result of what we call “the fall of man (and woman).” No one escapes troubles of some kind. This is especially true of followers of Jesus. Anyone who enters into the Christian life and has to serve in this fallen world should not expect that all problems have been solved. We encounter troubles in the church, which has to serve in the fallen world. In fact, we create our own problems. Jesus promised peace, but not without trouble. He gives us peace in the midst of trouble. Jesus gave a promise of cheer, or courage. When we encounter life’s inevitable troubles, we should not meet them with a spirit of fear, but in a spirit of cheer or courage. (The Greek word can be translated both ways.) When I have encountered troubles, I have found that my innate sense of humor has come to my rescue. (I think I laugh a lot of times when I should cry.) Let me share a secret that is difficult to do, but will help us to meet trouble with cheer or courage: Are you ready for it? Here it is: We should love the people who cause us trouble. Wow! What a Christian concept. Another thing that I have learned is to realize that troubles come and go. One of my favorite sayings is: “This too shall pass.” And it will. Our faith in Christ will help us to encounter troubles with cheer and courage. Jesus gave a promise of victory: “I have overcome the world.” In Jesus, we can be victorious when we put our faith in Him in any and all circumstances. 1 John 5:5 reminds us of this promise: “Who is he that overcomes the world, but he that believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” Our victory is not in our own tact, but it is in the one who has overcome the world on our behalf. We sing a song called “Victory in Jesus.” Do we really believe it, or do we just sing it? (I imagine that you are humming that tune. I know that I am.) When you encounter trouble of any kind, look to Jesus in faith and courage and claim victory in Him. Bro. Joe
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AuthorDr. Joe Beauchamp is the author of this blog and website. Categories
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September 2021
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