Living in Increase (Part 10) - Increase in AwarenessSample

Jesus Has Overcome

In John 16, Jesus is speaking to His disciples. He gave them a glimpse of what to expect in the future and followed up the conversation with a clarification. In verse 33, He says, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.”

Okay. Hold up. Jesus comforted His disciples by telling them what to expect so they would have peace, but then He said they should expect trials and sorrows! How can that be comforting?

Jesus continues, “But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). A lot is going on in the world today, and if we’re not careful, our knowledge and awareness of wars and suffering could give us a sense of despair. However, Jesus promises us that He has the ultimate victory, and even though we may experience trials and sorrows on earth, we can have courage and hope because He has overcome it all!

Jesus has left us His Word so that we may have peace in Him. The exact words He spoke to the disciples to bring them assurance are also spoken to us through the Bible. You may be experiencing a lot right now, but have courage. Jesus has overcome the world, and He is coming back again!

Emily N. Green

Action Step: Read all of John 16. Imagine that Jesus is speaking directly to you. Be encouraged by the words He shares!