Set Free: 21 Day Devotional: Day 5

“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  NIV

Jesus’ words to the disciples in John 16:33 come after He has told them about a great grief that will befall them, that He will be with them no more. The pain, despair, and confusion for the disciples after Jesus’ last breath cannot be understated. They had given up everything to follow Jesus. They had seen so many miracles, had dreamed of what life would be like, and it seemed all of their hope was dead on the cross.

This is where Jesus’ words can help bring us back to the reality of who He is. That even under immense turmoil, when the storms of life seem to have overtaken us, we can stand on solid ground. That with Christ, the victory is already won. We can have peace that no matter what, Christ will prevail. That even when this world throws everything at us, when we are shaken and disoriented by the pain inflicted by those outside and inside the church, when we feel like the world has won, we remember the everlasting words of our Savior, “But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

There is an overwhelming peace that should come from this. A peace that stems from trust. A peace that reminds us that time and time again, when we have stood on a foundation rooted in Christ, we have seen Him come through for us. We have the testimonies of our past to remind us that He can control storms, heal the blind, and raise the dead.

As Christians, and especially, Christian leaders, this is our call. We need to remind and reflect to our people that no matter what happens in the world, we can still have peace. A peace that comes from trust. That God in His infinite wisdom is still in control.

Thank you Lord for the times in your life where Christ brought you through trouble.  Pray that you both proclaim and reflect the peace that can only come from Christ.