Have you ever wondered why you have gone through the difficulties, pains, and tragedies you have or are going through? Ever fought temptation, discontentment, and struggled to remain focused on God? John 16:33 provides both insight and encouragement in times of suffering.
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 ESV
For over 20 years I cried out to God not knowing if He was there, if He was real, or if He cared. I struggled to believe there could be a God who could let me go through the pain I was in. Now I can look back and see what He was doing all along.
Jesus says “in me you may have peace”. He also tells us throughout scripture to not fear, that He is with us, that He loves us – not only did He say it, but He also showed it in sacrificing Himself for all our sake’s.
Jesus knew the world was a sinful broken place full of sinful broken people, just like you, me, and those who have hurt you. Yet, Jesus went to the cross and died for all of us anyway. He overcame the world, He took on the penalty – He defeated sin.
How does John 16:33 renew our spirits in times of suffering?
We are sinful people. Even so, we are called into the family of an Almighty God who loves us so much He gave His only Son to die on the cross. He did this so that we may accept Him in faith and be reconciled to our Heavenly Father. Now we may be saved through Him and have peace with God, who will guide us through this darkness.
The tribulations, difficulties, pain, and suffering doesn’t end when we enter into our relationship with our Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ, BUT we are made new in Him. He lifts us by His strength, filled up with His love. We are given a mission and purpose to serve Him with the time, resources, and circumstances we are blessed with.
All that we have is a gift from God and should be used in service for His great commission, out of love and gratitude to Him who redeemed us through the blood of His Son. Today, choose to be content with whatever you are facing.
Choose to rest in the peace that only the Lord can provide. See all that you have (or don’t have) as a blessed gift. Turn a grateful heart to Heaven and focus your attention and devotion on Him and away from the unsatisfying things of this world that will soon pass away. Give your heart to the Eternal One, who is love, who is all-powerful – who is the One True God of all creation who has overcome the world through His great sacrifice for our sakes.
Choose the peace offered to you in Christ.
