“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33
The scene of this discourse was the last meal that Jesus would have with His disciples before his death. It was Passover. They still couldn’t believe that He was going to leave them, although He promised that they would not be left alone—ever (John 14:17)! Their sorrow ran deep. Were His words of assurance enough?
Does God grieve when we’re hurting? Perhaps our Lord’s weeping at the death of Lazarus and His lament over Jerusalem tell us all we need to know (John 11:35; Luke 13:34). Jeremiah proclaimed that “His compassions never fail, they are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23). Is that enough?
When the troubles of this fallen world come against us and bring changes, where do we find, “the peace that passes all understanding” that the apostle Paul promised (Philippians 4:7)? Troubles will come, Jesus told us, because troubles are a part of life—and troubles will bring about changes. We live in a sinful world that is not our home (Hebrews 13:14). He also told us where to run to when it comes:
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
Currently I am experiencing an unexpected physical challenge that has changed my life already. But I have discovered that the changes it has brought are being used by God for my good through the circumstances and events that are out of my control. Suddenly God’s word has more depth to me. My prayers are more intense and prolonged. My important relationships are more personal and what was once championed as sympathy has turned to empathy (1 Corinthians 1:3-4). My repentance is no longer just a “figure of speech.”
So my friends, if trouble comes your way and you feel crushed and overwhelmed beyond your ability to endure and you start thinking that you will never live through it—remember these words from the apostle Paul, “As a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. And just as he rescued us from mortal danger, He will rescue us again because we have placed our confidence in Him, and he will continue to rescue us (2 Corinthians 1:8-9).
Yes, trouble will come in this life. But we must never forget the words of Jesus, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you” (Hebrews 13:5) and “Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
“Don’t let our trouble be louder than our praise.— Maranatha!
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