“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”--John 16:33
Drat. I had really hoped I would sail through this world without much trouble.
When I was in my 20s, I thought I could outsmart trouble. I lived my life boldly and bravely, skirting the edges of problems and thumbing my nose at consequences.
Then trouble hit me, full force, flat in the face. I lamented my predicament. I figured God must not be aware of my struggles.
Then I read John 16:33. Just WHY did you have to guarantee trouble, God?
As I've walked this journey for 50+ years, I've begun to understand why. Now that I'm facing cancer, I cling to the reality of this verse.
Without darkness we would not see light, without depth, no sparkling shallows, without pain, no healing solace, without struggle, no roots of faithful strength.
In John 16:33 Jesus tells me HE is the only source of peace. Key words to this verse are:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace."
Being "in" Christ is a lot different than my typical Sunday morning check in.
I have given my life to Jesus. I remain in Him and He in me as I struggle through my day. When I run away from Jesus' presence, however, I get lost in trouble.
What I need to do is fall into the loving arms of Jesus. There, nestled in the warmth of His love, I will discover the promise of John 16:33:
"But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Jesus overcomes problems....as long as I REMAIN IN HIM!
I should NOT run away from Jesus to my own anxiety, fears and earthly whining.
Cancer is no match for Jesus.
In the end, I know....with Jesus... I can overcome the world.
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