Promises From JesusSample

PEACE

When you read these verses, you might think to yourself:

“That can’t be right! Did Jesus really say we will have trouble? I mean, Jesus loves me, I love him – what about that abundant life he promised? Isn’t life supposed to be good now?”

Yes… and also no. At least maybe not "good" the way you’re thinking of it.

Jesus said these words at the end of a conversation with his closest friends. He warned them that he was going to die, but he also told them they would see him again. (Another one of those promises he kept!)

Jesus knew that following him was going to be crazy hard for his friends, and he knew it would be tough for you and me. He didn’t pretend like everything would be happy face emojis and lollipops and unicorns. Jesus spoke the truth when he said, “In this world, you will have trouble.”

We will encounter hard things, mean people, maybe even tragedy. But Jesus promises to give us peace.

Jesus: the one with power to calm a sea, heal a leper, and feed 5,000 people. The one powerful enough to conquer sin and death by dying on a cross and rising from the dead.

He reminded his friends, “I have overcome the world.” So, of course, he can handle anything that comes our way. Jesus may not always change our circumstances, but he will provide peace and whatever else we need to face the hard stuff. And that’s how life can still be good even when this world is filled with trouble.

The other good news in this promise – trouble is temporary. Jesus said that trouble is in this world. Someday, we’ll be with Jesus for eternity and have no trouble ever again..

REFLECTION

How does it make you feel to know that Jesus said we will have trouble?

DISCUSSION

What do you usually turn to first when you feel anxious, afraid, or overwhelmed?

Explore other resources from Young Life Discipleship including more Bible App reading plans.