SCRIPTURE:
“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
OBSERVATION:
Are you facing troubles? Or perhaps the right question is, “what trouble are you facing today?” In life, we’re either getting out of a trouble, facing a trouble, or about to face a trouble. What trouble are you facing today? What’s getting you down? Whatever it may be, Jesus Himself wants to encourage you through it.
As He says in 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.” This is one of my favorite passages in the entire Bible because it contains a whole five-point sermon on trouble in just one verse. What are the five points?
1. Trouble is INEVITABLE | “In this world you will have trouble.”
We cannot avoid or evade trouble; we must embrace it. It’s not “you might have trouble; it’s “you will have trouble.” It is impossible to run away from trouble because it is simply a fact of life on this side of heaven. Sometimes, we bring trouble upon ourselves, sometimes we face trouble because of other people, and sometimes, the trouble we face has nothing to do with us or the people around us. Regardless of whether or not we brought the trouble upon ourselves, we must accept the fact that we “will” face trouble whether we like it or not. BUT, we should not be shaken because…
2. PEACE is possible despite trouble. | “...in me you may have peace.”
The presence of trouble does not mean the absence of peace. As God promises in Philippians 4:7, His peace “transcends all understanding.” It is a peace that doesn’t make sense. It is a peace that stands steadfast in the middle of any storm. Rather than focus on the trouble, we must focus on the peace. And to experience peace amidst trouble…
3. We must CHOOSE to have peace amidst trouble. | “But take heart!”
Peace is a choice. Facing trouble is not a choice, but experiencing peace is. As Jesus commands, we must “take heart.” We must choose to remain hopeful. We must encourage ourselves to remain courageous. We must grab hold of His unshakeable peace. Why? Because…
4. JESUS has already won the victory over trouble. | “I have overcome the world.”
We can have peace and take heart because Jesus has already won the victory! When He died on the cross, was buried, and rose again three days later, Jesus conquered death. He defeated sin. While His death did not result in the eradication of trouble, it did usher in victory over it. In the end, God wins. He always wins. And when we face trouble, we must remind ourselves that even if it seems like the odds are stacked against us, Jesus has already won. Victory starts in our mind, seeps into our hearts, and ignite our spirits as we…
5. REMEMBER “these things” to experience peace in trouble. | “I have told you these things, so that…”
What are “these things” that we can remember to have peace? They are found in John chapters 14 thru 16. To experience peace amidst trouble, remember:
• The Presence of the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-31)
• The Fruitfulness of Remaining in Christ (John 15:1-17)
• The Necessity of Persecution (John 15:18-25)
• The Hope of Resurrection (John 16:16-22)
• The Promise of Answered Prayers (John 16:23-24)
APPLICATION:
What trouble are you facing? There’s no need to deny it, for trouble is inevitable. No matter what trouble you are facing, peace is possible. Even in the most dire situations, peace is possible, for the peace of God is that faint light that only gets brighter as the world around it gets darker. Choose to have peace amidst your trouble, for peace begins with a choice. And you can have peace because in Christ, the victory is already won! When He rose again on the third day, he already won victory for the trouble you are facing now. Claim that victory, in Jesus’ name!
Remember that the Holy Spirit is with you always. Remember that you will bear fruit when you remain connected to Christ. Remember that persecution means that you’re one day closer to Jesus’ return. Remember that if God can transform death into life, He can transform your dead situation into resurrection. And, most importantly, remember that God not only hears your prayers; He will answer your every prayer according to His perfect will, which promises not to hurt or harm you, but to give you a future and a hope, always.
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart––for Jesus has already overcome the world.
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus,
Thank You that You have overcome the world. Thank You that You already know every trouble that I am facing, and thank You that You have already overcome them. I surrender my troubles to You, trading my troubles for Your peace. I choose not to focus on my troubles, but rather to focus on Your peace that surpasses all understanding. I trust You, Lord. Thank You that You have already won.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
