An Encouraging Word #OnThisSunday

My friend, Bob Kellemen, shared this word of encouragement this morning early:

Today hear and receive Christ’s compassionate comfort, “Do not let your hearts be troubled” (John 14:1). And, “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).

These words may need to sink deeply into your soul today. Please allow me to encourage you by them.

Do not let your heart be troubled!

The context of both these verses is crucial. Jesus faces death in less than twenty-four hours. As He quotes these verses, He strives to encourage His disciples as He knows what they do not. Jesus was fully aware that within hours their faith was going to be tested to their core, their hearts would be broken, they would be fearful for their lives, and they would experience the Son of God (their very dear friend whom they loved) be unjustly crucified. With this all in mind, Jesus says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.”

What powerful words. Jesus, knowing what they did not know, told them the exact thing they needed to hear.

Friend, that is true for us as well…

Whatever you are facing today, do not let your heart be troubled…

Whatever you are fearing today, do not let your heart be troubled…

Regardless of what pressures you feel, do not let your heart be troubled…

No matter what hurt you have experienced, do not let your heart be troubled…

I hope you hear Jesus’ words to you today. Read them over and over again… Do not let your heart be troubled!

You may need to let yourself experience these words deep in your soul. Jesus speaks them to His disciples, but the foundation of these words is for all of us. Jesus explains that He is in control of the next life and this life. We get to be with Him soon. He loves us.

In this world, you will have trouble.

Could a truer statement be said? “In this world you will have trouble and suffering…”

Here is the rest of Jesus’ statement:

I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble and suffering, but take courage—I have conquered the world.” (John 16:33, NET)

I hope, again, you are reading with your heart’s ears wide open.

Jesus says to you, take courage! He has overcome or conquered the world.

I know that right now in your life it may not feel like it – that could be true for many of us. Suffering. Sinned against. Personal sin. Life-dominating sin. This list could be long; however, no matter what you face, Jesus’ words are for you and include your suffering and sin.

Yes, In this world you will have trouble and suffering… but take courage!

Your courage today is based not upon yourself but upon the realities of life in Jesus Christ. Jesus has overcome the world!