Take Heart | He Has Overcome the World

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Oh my friends. Sometimes a Monday Musings of Grace hits me so smack dab in the middle of my face that I don’t even want to share it. I don’t want to admit how far I’ve strayed from remembering what I was put on this earth to do. I’m guilty of allowing the world to take over my purpose and giving Satan a foothold to pull me down.

But I know I’m not alone in that. I know there are others who’ve begun something amazing only to forget Who should be glorified in it all. So today I’m talking about my most recent self-reflection and how I need to get back on track.

Monday Musings of Grace

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that this blogging biz has its ups and downs. Like any business, I have to deal with difficult people, I have deals that go south, I struggle to balance my time and focus between a one-woman show and the needs of my family. (Forget even considering time for my own self-care.)

But the same can be said for any job. Whether you are a stay at home mom, line worker, store clerk, CEO, small business owner, volunteer….the list goes on an on. You. Will. Have. Trouble.

That leads me to today’s verse. Jesus says,

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

John 16:33

John chapter 16 is a section of scripture that is a very personal conversation between Christ and His disciples. Often looking back at these types of stories I wonder how the disciples didn’t comprehend what Christ was saying. They are so confused and yet it is so clear. Clear to me anyway…looking back at centuries of Biblical interpretation and study. But isn’t that how we often struggle through life?

When we are in the midst of something we don’t understand it can be impossible to get perspective. Christ has told us all along that we will have trouble. “In this world you will have trouble.” It’s guaranteed. It shouldn’t surprise us. And yet, He doesn’t stop there.

In John 16, Christ is communicating what is to come for them all. Christ will be crucified and His disciples will be persecuted. Matter of fact. Blunt statement. Total downer. But then…

He promises that we will be given an Advocate, the Holy Spirit. And He promises peace.

“In Me” You May Have Peace

Here’s the kicker guys. “‘In Me’ you may have peace.” Not in the world. Not in ourselves. Not in our careers or our families or our own glory. In Him. Peace comes from Christ.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27

And more than that: He has overcome the world.

All of our doubts, our struggles, our sorrows, our temptations, our tragedies and our sins have been overcome. Before we even experience them, He has overcome. Before we allow ourselves to fall into that downward spiral, He has overcome.

Take Heart

So take heart. Straight from Christ’s lips: Take heart, for He has overcome the world. My trials are completely insignificant compared to millions of people. But they are still trials. Your trials may be similar or they may be life or death. Only in Christ can we find the peace and strength needed to journey through them.

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

He has overcome

So today I challenge you to name it. Name what Christ has overcome in your life. Name your struggle and claim His promise that He will give you the strength. Put your faith in a loving God who knew of your trial before you did.

There will still be trouble, but He walks alongside His children. Take a moment today and try to step out of your own situation. Get perspective on the enormity of Christ’s promise.

Take heart my friends, let not your hearts be troubled. He has overcome.

 

 

 

{For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16}