“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
We live in a broken world, and we all experience the outcomes of its brokenness. Trouble is simply a part of this life. When we face difficulties, challenges, and obstacles in life, we should not be frightened or resentful. We must remember that Jesus never promised to prevent our experiences with brokenness, but He did promise to protect us in all of it. We must take heart when we are facing troubles of all kinds, because Jesus has promised to protect us in all of it. Nothing happens to us that does not first pass through His nail-scarred hands.
I am well aware that no one looks forward to the hard times in this life. I certainly don’t! No one wants to slog through the mud of difficulties, disappointments, defeats, and despair. No one looks forward to dark days spent in valleys of confusion, chaos, conflict, and challenge. But when those troubles arise, we must remember the promise we have from Jesus to walk through all of them with us. Trials and troubles are simply part of our journey. They are designed to grow and mature us in our faith and make us more and more like Jesus. “For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again” (Proverbs 24:16).
Peter put it this way: “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed” (1 Peter 4:12-13).
Because Jesus has already overcome this world through His sinless life, sacrificial death, and supernatural resurrection, we can rest assured that He will overcome everything we are going through in life. Remember, the power that raised Jesus from death to life is the same power that is at work within us. Christian, let me encourage you to cling to these words from Job: “He knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold” (Job 23:10).
Let that truth set you free to receive Jesus as your Protector, not your Preventer.
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 