Just hours before Jesus' arrest He comforted His disciples as He prepared them for their greatest loss, His death. “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 16:33.
What great love. Jesus did not hide the truth. He told them they would have trouble in order to strengthen and prepare them. And notice He offered them peace by telling them they would have trouble. Seems a bit odd at first glance, but He did this in order to align their focus from the world and onto Him. He was not going to be the Messiah who would rescue the Jews here on earth. He would overcome in a much different fashion and they needed fair warning so as to not abandon the call after He was gone.
The word "peace" in this passage means quietness, prosperity, and rest...all the things we seek here on earth. But, true peace can never be found in this world, since this is the enemy's domain. Rest from despair can only be found in Christ, the one who has overcome the world. With this in mind we can be of good cheer even amidst troubled times.
Sister, if you are worried about the future you have nothing to fear. God lives outside the bounds of time. He knew this collapse was going to happen before the dawn of time and He allowed it. Nothing is too big for God, He never turns a deaf ear to His children, and He will never allow us to go hungry. He speaks truth, He provides strength, and guides our way. Only He can satisfy our deepest longing and He's waiting to do so in such a time as this!
"Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life.
He who comes to me will never go hungry,
and he who believes in me will never be thirsty."
John 6:35
6 comments:
Excellent encouragement Nancy. thanks.
Amen my friend!!!
Enjoyed your post today!!
Kim
Wonderful message. May we stay focused on Him and not the things of this world.
This is good to be told again, Mrs. Nancy. I know that the Lord is in control of everything. Everything...
katiegfromtennessee
Very good post Nance.
God is in control...period.
We must lean on Him and then we'll experience true peace.
O those are such wonderful thoughts in uncertain times. I also like when Paul says in Philippians 4:12 He has learned the SECRET of being content in any and every situation. Then in verse 13 (one of my faves) he says I can do everything through him who gives me strength! It is encouraging to me to think that I'll be ok, even if the stars fall from the sky and mountains crash into the sea because I have a personal relationship w/ the Christ.
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