“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
This verse has often been a source of strength, power and hope to me over the years. As I got ready for bed the night after learning that our baby was now with Jesus, I heard this in my Spirit, and it ministered to me more than ever. Read it again! (Please commit it to memory so when you need it, it will be there!)
“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
Christ never promised us a perfect or easy life, and anyone who was told that being a Christian meant that the things of this world won’t touch you was sorely deceived. Quite the opposite, Jesus warned us clearly that we would indeed have many trials and struggles just like everyone else. But in us there is a difference!
This scripture doesn’t mean the things of this world won’t happen to us. It means that in Christ we can (we will!) find the strength to rise above them! The difference between us and the world (those who don’t know Christ) is not that we don’t suffer, but rather that we are not affected the same way. The world will suffer and be struck down. We will suffer, but in Christ we will rise up higher!
“for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.” Proverbs 24:16
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4
Please take a moment to click the link below and let this song minister to you as is has to me. We too face pain and suffer trial, and yet, because of our risen Lord, we can stand again and say, “Bring it on world! For by the power of Christ, which lives in me, I will rise!”
“I Will Rise” By Chris Tomlin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yvfso4Q8xg
