These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33 (NKJV)

There’s so much wrong in the world: wars, persecution, an attempted assassination, disease, poverty, inflation, and the high cost of housing. I want to close my ears and escape the bad news. All of these things can be overwhelming and cause us to want to give up.

That we have difficulties is not a surprise. Jesus told us we will have tribulation, not that we might have troubles.

Jesus had His afflictions. People sneered at His legitimacy, as His mother was pregnant before marriage. He was a young refugee in Egypt, where His family fled from the murderous King Herod. His adoptive father probably died, as Joseph is not mentioned during Jesus’ adulthood. Jesus lived in poverty, not having a place to lay His head at night as an adult. A friend betrayed Him. Jesus was falsely accused, tried illegally, beaten, whipped, and ultimately killed. Yet in all of this, Jesus was not defeated. He did not give up.

Jesus persevered with peace in His spirit. He did not throw a fit or complain. He prayed and kept His focus on His Heavenly Father and what His Father wanted Him to do. When circumstances were overwhelming, Jesus earnestly prayed for another way than the cross, but with the commitment that the answer to His prayer be according to His Father’s will and not His own (Matthew 26:39).

Christ Jesus rose from the dead, triumphant.

Our Lord overcame the world.

Jesus Christ tells us we can have peace. Note in John 16:33 how we obtain this peace.

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace… John 16:33a (NKJV)

Our tranquility is not in our situation, our bank account, our entertainment, or in anything or anyone else. It is in Christ alone. It is in the One who overcame the world. It is in Him that we can be obedient to God. It is in Jesus that we can raise above a situation in perfect trust. Let’s look at 1 John 5.

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world —our faith. Who is he that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:3 – 5 (ESV)

There are rewards for living obediently and victoriously. Jesus will confess before His Father the name of the one who overcomes (Revelation 3:5).Those who overcome will:

• sit with Jesus on His throne (Revelation 3:21).
• eat from the tree of life (Revelation 2:7b).
• have an inheritance of all things and a relationship with God (Revelation 21:7).

* How can you victoriously obey God? List one or more areas in your life where you need to be obedient. Bring them to God for His help.

* Are there things that trouble you? Give them to the source of peace- Jesus.

*Reflect on a specific Bible verse or message that resonates with you. How can you apply it to daily life?

Let’s not lose heart. Jesus Christ will come again. The world will try to eliminate Him, but they will be defeated, as we are told in Revelation.

These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords, and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful. Revelation 17:14 (NKJV)

Let’s be faithful.

*Please share your testimony or example of overcoming adversities through faith.

Lord God, You are victorious. You never are defeated. Thank you for overcoming the world. Help me live in You. Amen.

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Scriptures marked NKJV are taken from the NEW KING JAMES VERSION (NKJV): Scripture taken from the NEW KING JAMES VERSION®. Copyright© 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved

Scriptures marked ESV are taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION (ESV): Scriptures taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION ® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission.