OVERCOMERS IN JESUS
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
Promises, promises… When someone says they are going to do something, they give their word and guarantee it will happen do you believe them? Times in the past people may not have carried through on their promises and we have been disappointed. Our trust level went down and now when people “promise” us something, we take it with a “grain of salt” or say to ourselves, “Sure, we’ll see.” We have a hard time believing them.
When Jesus tells us something is going to happen you can trust that it will. We love all the promises about heaven and rightly so, they will come to pass. But He also promised us there would be difficulties. In the verse above Jesus mentioned three things that we can count on. 1- In Jesus we can have peace. 2- While on earth we will have many trials and sorrows. 3- We can take heart or be courageous because He has overcome the world.
First, we can have peace in Jesus. Before I trusted the Lord Jesus Christ I was God’s enemy (Romans 5:10), but now I “have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ’ (Romans 5:1). I am no longer His enemy, but friend (John 15:15). I also have the peace of God through Jesus as I bring everything to Him in prayer— a peace that transcends all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7). I don’t have to carry things, but give them over to Him. To have peace with God and the peace of God is a wonderful place to be.
Second, we will have many trials and sorrows while on earth. Sin has impacted every area of life and eventually brings physical death. I am sure you have had your share of sorrows and will have more. We all will have them to one degree to another. I would appreciate prayer for our grand-daughter, Jordyn, who will be going through open heart surgery to fix a large hole in her heart on the 16th this month. It is sorrowful to see such a young child go through such intensive surgery— she is only nine months old. I would appreciate for our son-in-law, Joe, daughter, Hannah and their other daughter, Abigail who is 2 years old. Yes, sorrow comes in all kinds of forms: sickness, accidents, broken relationships, death… But, we do not go through them alone because “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5). Jesus said, “I am with you until the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). We are not alone!
Third, take heart or be of courage because Jesus has overcome the world with all its trials and sorrows. You know what? Those of us who have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ will overcome them as well— “for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God” (I John 5:4-5). Rejoice! We are overcomers and will be with our Lord Jesus in heaven some day in the not too distant future!
Dear Father, thank You for the promises You have given us in Jesus. I am grateful to know that You keep Your Word and I can trust You fully. May I be faithful in living as You desire in the power of the Holy Spirit and in the authority of Jesus.