I know who wins (John 16)

Jesus makes a disturbing statement in John 16:33.  He says, "In this world you will have tribulation."  That's not a "maybe" statement – that's a guaranteed statement.  Jesus says that if we're in this world (which we all are), then we will have trouble.  It doesn't matter whether or not we're His followers.  Every person in this world will have trouble.  Thankfully Jesus doesn't stop with those words; He continues on and reminds us to take heart because He has overcome the world.  That's an incredible reminder that we need to heed.  It's very easy to become discouraged in our current culture, especially when we see the lack of values among people.  When we consider the environments our kids are exposed to in school and through the media, we can see a never-ending, uphill battle.  Thankfully Jesus didn't see things through that lens.  Even though there is trouble, we can rest in peace because He is the One who ultimately wins.  I can have confidence because I know the One who is victorious at the end of the day.  There is a battle raging in the spiritual realm between good and evil, and though it may seem like evil is winning, it's not – because Jesus is the One who wins!