John 16:33, New Living Translation

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

I love the scriptures, God’s word! When we need strength and encouragement, we can find it in the holy Bible, God’s love letter to us. The Scriptures written then are still relevant for us today! Jesus told us, “I Have told you all this so that you may have and me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NLT)

First off, I want us to recognize this… Jesus says in the scripture above, “So you can have peace in me.” Me is not our current or future president, it’s not material items or money, it’s not even found in ourselves! It’s in Christ. Remember, Peter’s confession, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:68-69, NLT) Our hope is in the Holy One of heaven. In Him we have peace in every circumstance. If we keep our eyes on Him, if we guard our hearts and keep His scriptures in our hearts and minds to walk out daily.

Jesus, secondly, said we would have trials and tribulations. There is no way to avoid it if you are truly living as a follower of Christ.

In a letter from Paul, Silas, and Timothy, they encourage the church in Thessalonica during persecution. Keep in mind, when you read this scripture, it’s not just relevant to Thessalonica, but also to you. Read this encouragement and let it speak to your spirit person.

“Dear Brothers and sisters, we can’t help, but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing. We proudly tell God‘s other churches about your endurance and faithfulness, and all the persecutions and hardships you are suffering. And God will use this persecution to show his justice and to make you worthy of his kingdom, for which you are suffering. In his justice, he will pay back those who persecute you. And God will provide rest for you who are being persecuted and also for us when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven. He will come with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don’t know God, and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power.” (2 Thessalonians 1:3-9, NLT)

I want to encourage you to keep flourishing in our love for God. When we do that, His love is given to others. We are sharing the gospel in truth, and indeed! When we fulfill this, it gives the Holy Spirit, our Lord Jesus, our Abba Father opportunity to work through us to seek and save the lost. 

Do not retaliate or take revenge! Let Christ’s love comes through! Scripture tells us, “Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the scripture say, ‘I will take revenge; I will pay them back,’ says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19, NLT) The Scriptures also tell us, “Don’t Repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.” (1 Peter 3:9, NLT) In returning good for evil, love for evil, you are being made worthy of His Kingdom, which has no end. We are not alone in our suffering! Christ knew no sin, yet was beaten, scourged, mocked, beaten, and crucified. His closest friends denied Him and ran away when these things took place. And He left us with these words, “Take Heart I have overcome the world.” Thank you, Jesus! You have made us overcomers!

This letter in 2 Thessalonians closes by saying: “So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12, NLT)

This also is my prayer for us. As the time of Christ’s return draws closer, the challenges we face will become more challenging. Jesus warned us that these things have to happen for him to return. But remember… “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me (Jesus).” (John 16:33, NLT)