John 16:33, New International Version

“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.”

Let’s break down John 16:33 and take a closer look at what the Word has for us to learn: “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.”

These are Jesus’ direct words: I, Jesus, the Son of God, the Almighty, the Word and the Truth! He has told you through the Word we can read in the Bible all the things that need to happen. He knows even before they happen; that is why He can tell you.

“So that in Me you may have peace.” In Him, through Jesus, you may have peace. Do you know Him, and know that full well like David? (Psalm 139:14) Do you know that He is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)? He is the source of peace. In His presence, through trusting Him, you can find peace. Without Him, peace is absent.

“In this world you will have trouble.” Tell me, can you find one person who does not have trouble? “In this world” means the place where you are living and walking right now. This world has fallen. It is a creation that is broken, suffering, and separated from God (Genesis 3). And it has its own ruler, the one we call darkness, evil, the accuser, the liar, the tempter, one who has hatred and no love (John 12:31; John 14:30; Ephesians 6:12; 1 John 5:19; Revelation 12:10; John 8:44; 1 Thessalonians 3:5; Revelation 12:9; John 10:10).

Because of that, what do you think you will receive from him? Fear, hopelessness, bitterness, temptation to sin, lies... how could you have no trouble? Thank You, Jesus, there is a “but.” But God!

God gave us a solution, a victorious race to run, the only Way, and His name is Jesus. Jesus told us to take heart: to be strong even in our weakness because He gives us strength. Do not be afraid. Be confident. Stand firm in Him! (2 Corinthians 12:9; Isaiah 41:10; John 14:1; Ephesians 6:11)

He has already overcome the world! Whatever happens in your life may seem hopeless, may bring fear, may involve being lied to, hurt, wounded, or maybe you think you are too far gone. But God says otherwise! He can help you overcome all of it.

Do not underestimate the power of His love! That love saved you and rescued you from the wrath of God. He can save you from the schemes of the enemy. He can bring you from darkness into Light! In Him is Light, Hope, Joy, Peace—the Love that you can receive because He is all of these and the source of all of these. So, what do we have to do then?

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28, NIV)

No one knows about that day or hour...Be on guard and alert. (Mark 13:32-33)

The enemy does not know the day or hour, just like every one of us, yet he wants to keep you captive in his schemes. He walks around like a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8). He will attack you with fear, worry, doubt, and unholy desires. Be on guard and alert! Do not fall but stand firm! Stand firm on His Word and trust in His name!

Every day that passes brings us closer to the return of Jesus, thousands of years closer than when John the Baptist called people to repent because the time was near. The enemy knows he does not have much time, and he will work desperately to take you down with him.

So, be on guard and alert! You can only stand firm when you are standing on the solid ground of Jesus!