Courage

Our personal problems can seem overwhelming at times. Health issues may be a constant concern. Financial problems, parenting, marital, relational, and work challenges can be ongoing. Beyond that, national and international unrest may cause us to shake our heads and wonder what the world is coming to. But Jesus interrupts us and gets straight to the point in John 16:33.  “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have OVERCOME the world.” These are amazing words coming from our Savior. He tells us that the new normal after sin entered the world is: tribulation which means, “pressure, affliction, oppression, and distress.” He doesn’t say we may have times of tribulation. He doesn’t say pressure, affliction, oppression, and distress may interrupt our days. He says we have tribulation. However, note what Jesus says we have in addition to tribulation. We have Him and the peace He gives us. Our Lord is bigger than the world and its tribulations. In fact, He’s OVERCOME the world. Jesus is the answer to our anxiety. He tells us, “Take courage.” Are you reaching for Jesus and taking courage?