Wednesday, March 30 – 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.

There is something about not being alone that makes any situation less scary. This is especially true when we are with someone who has walked through the situation before. The company of another often gives us more confidence. We may see this value of camaraderie in human interactions but tend to forget when we struggle that if we are following Jesus, we are never alone. We often point the finger to God and ask “Why” before we remember He is with us and say, “Thank you.” When we remember this verse—this truth that He has overcome the world—it changes everything about how we experience difficulties in our life. We can face hardship with confidence in God because we know He will not abandon us. This leads us to struggle through our faith, depending on Him for the next step, knowing He has the power to bring us through.

Struggles can be hard to endure because of the loneliness and questions that accompany them. Like walking carefully through a dark room, not knowing which way to go or what obstacles might be in the way, it can be scary to even take the next step. But when we fix our eyes on Jesus, we can see that He has overcome the hurts, hardships, and grief we feel. Hebrews 12:2-3 says, “Looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Whether you are worried about taking the next step in your faith or plagued with grief, consider Jesus and His overcoming work that changes everything.

• What are some things that you are going through right now? How does the fact that Jesus has overcome the world change your perspective on those things?
• How can you remind yourself of the truth of this verse when hardships arise?
• Pray and ask God to help you remember the truth of this verse in good times and bad, trusting that He has overcome.