“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 I don’t know about you, but the news of our country bombing Iran gave me a little heartache over the weekend. While I am so happy that now there are regular people in Iran who have the possibility of experiencing peace, I also know that for now, peace is not what the world will experience. We could experience retaliations, oil shortages, and no telling what other trouble. I do thank God however, that what has happened is a way to more peace in the future.
But here’s the thing, whether or not this military strike on Iran eventually brings peace or not, we know that because of the existence of evil, we better be aware that trouble is still out there! I think that is why Jesus gave us the words of encouragement above. He knew and He knows that evil exists in this world, and it will not go away until he returns. But He also knows that he has overcome evil. The resurrection is a testimony to Jesus overcoming evil! As Paul put it, “Where O death is your victory, where O death is your sting?” But thanks be to God who gives us the victory in Christ Jesus!!!
Maybe you woke up this morning with a sense of dread. Maybe the rest of your day has played out to where all you have experienced is trouble. Remember that Jesus said in this world you will have trouble, but then he said this, “Take Heart!” Take Heart!! No matter what you face, no matter how bad it looks, remember the resurrected Jesus even now is saying “Take Heart!” I have overcome this world! He has the final say over any situation we will ever face! And remember this also, He loves you! And when I say He loves you, I can’t even come close to telling you the fullness of His love! All I can do is remind you of His promise that He will never leave you not forsake you. And if he loves you, and if he will never leave you nor forsake you, and If he has overcome this world, even death, then you can rest assured that you have a very bright future ahead, in His arms! There is so much peace in the arms of Jesus Christ!
So take heart! Experience His peace and learn to trust Him no matter what you see in the news!
(Note: This column is written by a different Littlefield pastor for the Leader-News each week. The columns are published on this page on Wednesdays.)