Reflections on the word: Take heart despite what the future holds

by Pastor Rich Lammay

Jesus was speaking to his men about the future, he told them about the cross, he told them that they would abandon him, he said "hard times are coming. Then he gave them comfort.

John 16:33 "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."

Jesus knew his disciples would face hard times. In the next days one of their own would betray the Lord and have him arrested. One of their leaders would deny Jesus publicly then they all would witness their Lord beaten, interrogated, and crucified. Even their own hearts would fail as all but one would abandon Jesus at the cross. But before all that happens Jesus gives them this comfort telling them to "take heart."

What comfort those words would bring the disciples as their world came crashing down. What comfort you and I can have knowing that Jesus words apply today.

"In this world you will have trouble." Life is often filled with problems, heartaches, and trials. Life brings natural pain as these bodies wear out, we get sick or a loved one dies. Life can be painful as sometimes we bring troubles on ourselves with poor choices, addictions, or self destructive behaviors. It's all, trouble.

But, Jesus didn't leave us with; "life's hard so suck it up." No, he said: "take heart, I have overcome the world." When life is hard, when troubles come, God is there and in Christ there is peace. It is because of Jesus' death and his resurrection that whoever has faith in him has this promise.

Acts 2:21 "...everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Have you called on the name of the Lord? The promise is salvation for eternal life and the promise is to be saved with peace during this life. Believers are saved eternally because Jesus Christ paid the price for sin-the barrier between humans and God. Then the believer is saved --because faith in God will carry them through the toughest times.

Is life hard? Are you going through troubles? Call upon the Lord Jesus Christ, life may still be hard, but you will not face it alone, for in Christ you will have peace. Jesus gave another promise to help with life's troubles.

John 14:16...I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever.

The Holy Spirit abides with believers forever. He will not abandon you, he will give you peace and power as you trust in the Lord. Are you in the world of trouble? Or are you in the Lord of peace?