Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 333 – John 16:33 – Take Heart – Growing As Disciples
“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 (NIV)
Trouble
There is no doubt that this world is filled with trouble. I know that this is a sin broken world that no longer functions fully according to your design. People mistreat people. Nations rise against nations. Even the weather and climate of this world has gone haywire. Nothing in this world has been left untouched by sin. At one time I thought that because I am one of your followers, I might be exempt from all the pain and suffering in this life. What a silly thought that was. Why would I be exempt? You suffered in this world. I will suffer in this world. Now, I know without a doubt, that I am not exempt from all the pain and suffering that is in this life.
But I will not be discouraged or defeated or depressed by all the pain and suffering in this life. Why is that? I have hope in you. I can take courage in you. I can have peace in you. Why can you have hope and peace and courage in me? You have overcome the world. I will overcome the world because I am in you. You will give me the courage and hope and peace and strength to go through whatever I will face in life. You will be with me. You will help me. You will strengthen me. You will lift me up and carry me through life. Of that, I am certain. That is my experience. You have never left me alone. You have never abandoned me. No, I have not. No matter what you face in life, I have always been with you to help you. Thank you, Lord.
But I have a hope in you that goes far beyond this life. What hope do you have beyond this life? This world is not my true home. This life is temporary. This life is like a blink of the eyes or the snap of the fingers. I am quickly passing through this life. My real home is in heaven with you. Yes, it is. You have secured a place for me forever in heaven with you. There will be no pain or suffering or tears in heaven. The beauty of this life will not compare to the splendor of heaven. My future in heaven with you gives me hope and peace and courage in the midst of any trouble I will face in this world. That is very good.
Lord, thank you that I am in you. My final, real and forever home is secure in heaven with you. Thank you that you have overcome the world. Help me to also overcome all the troubles in the world. I will take heart and be filled with your hope, peace and courage. Amen
Key Question… How is the Lord helping you to overcome, all the trouble in the world, because you are in Him?
Living It Out… Take heart, be of good courage and have peace because you are in Christ who has overcome the world.
Seeing It Happen… Have faith that you will have peace, in the midst of troubling world, because you are in Christ.
Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how being in Christ has filled your life with courage and peace.
Prayer To Bless Others… May you take courage and be filled with peace because you are in Christ.
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