Lifted Vision Ministry

-John 16 :33 KJV- 
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

Jesus spoke these words to the disciples at the Last Supper. He admonished them to be encouraged, motivated, and inspired; despite just sharing the news with them that he is going to a place where they could not follow Him, and that additionally, He must leave soon (John 13:33). For the disciples, I imagine they must have been both stunned and shocked; shouldn’t all hope have seemed lost? Their Rabbi, the one they had been following for the past three and a half years, the one they had given up their homes, families and careers to follow (their everything!!!) just told them that He was going away to a different place where they could not follow Him. Yet at the same time, Jesus told them, “if you loved me you would have rejoiced (because I am going to the Father) (John 14:28).”
 
Today in daily life, we all face a myriad of troubles; contending with economic pressures, future uncertainties, conflicts, wars and rumors of wars, the health crises that we, as well as our loved ones face; the list goes on. Amidst living and contenting with a dark and tumultuous world, how is it possible to be joyful?

The answer lies in the truth that Jesus has overcome this world. Author Camille Fronk said, “What does this mean for each of us here today? I can start by acknowledging that I have had tribulation from which no one else could deliver me but the Lord. Circumstances I would never happily choose have sent me to my knees and turned me to God. And, further, I anticipate additional trials down the road, because God loves me.”

We cannot avoid the trials and troubles of this world, but we can rest in the fact that Jesus can and will lead us through with peace because He promised us so. Jesus asks us simply to rely on Him through times of trouble; The Savior didn’t say that “you” need to overcome the world but said that, “I” have overcome the world.” This means that through total reliance on God, knowing His Word, being close to Him and by allowing Him to be our sufficiency, we are more than able to have true joy and even cheer through life’s most difficult circumstances.

I may never know the pain, heartache and tragedies that you have gone through and my struggles may look completely different from yours, but rest assured that Jesus knows your pain and He has felt our personal pain.

-Psalm 56:8 NLT-
“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.”

Jesus knows us inside and out better than anyone and Jesus also understands the pain you are going through even now. The more we see His truths, the greater our joy becomes. The more we rely on Him to see us through, the easier it is to have real joy and cheer. Knowing our Savior has our back, knowing that He will never let us down or fail us, knowing that He has a purpose for our pain, and knowing that He loves us- these are the driving truths that allow us to have cheer no matter what life may throw at us.

I pray that you are encouraged today dear ones and run to God when life seems to much to bear! God, Emmanuel, is with us!