John 16:33

Scripture: 

John 16:33  “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” 

(NASB) 

Observation:

When you see tragedy, where can you turn? I have seen my share of tragedies. Things I wish I could forget forever, but sadly that is not the case. Each of us at some time in our life faces situations that make us cry, shout out to God, or search for reasons and answers. I have held a small child in my arms who had passed away, witnessed an elderly man take his last breath, searched the rubble at Ground Zero, and I still come away thinking, “Why?”

Today's verse gives us hope, not that things like this will never happen again, but a place to go to for peace. It states that in the world we will have tribulations, but we are to take courage in Christ for He has overcome the world. Knowing Him doesn't take the pain away or stop the tears for those we see hurting and dying, but we can realize that one day He shall reign on this earth. Tragedies will happen no more. The key is whether we know Him or not. I pray that you find peace from the pain, peace from the tears, peace in the knowledge that Jesus Christ overcomes no matter what we face and will never leave us or abandon us. Take comfort in knowing Christ; He’s the only place to find peace amid the craziness of this world.  

Application:

1) Think about what you just read.

2) Ask the Holy Spirit for clarity and insight.

3) Share this with someone who would benefit from reading it.

4) Make sure others see Jesus in YOU today.

TOM SEMBER has been involved in ministering to men for over 20 years. He is an ordained minister with the AG in the NY Ministry Network. Tom lives with his wife, Carolyn, and children in New York. You can connect with Tom on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.