Overcomer
Troubles! They seem to be all around us. We see the troubles occurring throughout the world – discourse, war, famine, violence. We experience the troubles in our lives – financial, relational, professional. All of it seems to create a cloud of doom over our heads, making it difficult to find peace. Our ability to rest and have our minds at peace when so much is going around us can make for a life filled with worry and anguish.
This beautiful verse was shared by our Lord on the eve of His crucifixion to the disciples. They had experienced some personal troubles as they had traveled with Jesus, but nothing like what they would experience when He ascended into heaven. Jesus knew this and ensured they understood that no matter what they would face, faith in Him, following Him, meant that an inward peace would prevail because He overcome all the bad in the world.
Many times, as we walk through our days, we may not feel that Jesus has overcome the world. We see and experience the troubles that Jesus references in this passage. We may be suffering anxiousness over the uncertainty of finding work. We may experience pain due to health issues. We may feel emptiness in the loss of a loved one. We may encounter hatred because we believe in our Lord. Day to day situations can breed a sense of trouble in our lives.
My friends, these daily situations can be overwhelming. Yet, we have to remember that Jesus is right beside us, walking with us, holding our hand and overcoming our situations with us. Just as He was with the disciples after He left this world, He is with us. I am certain that many of the disciples who followed Jesus didn’t know what that path would ultimately look like. There were moments of uncertainty, especially after Jesus died. Yet Jesus came to them, and He comes to us! In His words, we can find peace.
Our troubles will not always end with a smile on our faces. The result of our troubles may be very different to what WE want. Take heed, it is not OUR way but GOD’S way that sets our path. Knowing and relying on God, understanding that whatever the troubles may be, will yield the peace that Jesus describes. He has overcome our troubles; He has overcome our world. Our simple faith in that truth will bring you PEACE. Breathe, rest and know this. Amen!
Dearest Jesus, thank you for this beautiful verse that brings peace to the distressed. We know that you are in control and that you have overcome all the troubles of this world. Amen!