“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 16:16)
Back in the 1990s there was a popular slogan: no fear. I distinctly remember the t-shirts and the bumper stickers storming the culture. We don’t see those too often, anymore, but the slogan is something that Christians should latch onto, especially when we understand the ministry of the Holy Spirit. It was for our benefit that the Holy Spirit came to earth – that He might come and convict hearts and draw people nearer to God. He also gives us the strength to stand strong in the midst of the trials that Jesus promised were on their way for us.
But here’s the really great news: we don’t have to worry about the difficulties we face today because they’re just for a time… Jesus wins in the end. He promises that we will have trials if we follow Him, but then He says, “But take heart; I have overcome the world.” We have no fear because we know who wins in the end, and no work of Satan or anyone else can keep that from coming to fruition.
Father, thank You for the promise that Jesus is Victor. Thank You for conquering death and bringing hope. Even though we may have trials in this life, give us courage to stand strong, and empower us with the strength of the Holy Spirit.
Seth,
These last several reading have really taken me. Jesus is telling us not to worry cause he will be with us to the end. Jesus is speaking to us so clearly in the passages that anyone reading them should have no trouble in understanding exactly what he means. I don’t know that I have ever read this part of the bible before, but I do feel a great sense of relief in reading this. I have recently heard a song by some country singer where she states- Hold on my brother things are going to get better, cause in the end we win.
Love reading your works every night. God Bless