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.
-John 16:33 (NLT)
It seems that, almost daily, we read about new threats, new wars, higher crime, murders, thefts and more. There are many days that I don't even read the newspaper or watch any news programs because it's the same "news" over and over again. Jesus warned His disciples about this.
Jesus said, in John 16:33, "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." Jesus is promising His disciples that they will have peace in Him. Peace is defined as "the absence of war. Freedom from quarrels; harmonious relations." In verses 31-32, Jesus warns them that they will soon be "scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone." They will face many sorrows and trials because of their faith. There would be no peace, no absence of war.
But then, after warning them of trials and sorrows, Jesus gives them a promise. He says, "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me...But take heart, because I have overcome the world." In Jesus, they would have peace. Apart from Jesus they would have many trials and sorrows. The same is true of you and me. If we live our lives in Jesus, then we will have His peace, He will give it to us. But, apart from Jesus, we will have many trials and sorrows. Which do you choose today? Peace from Jesus, or war from the world?
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