Life's Surprises

 John 16:33 (NIV) “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.”

Life holds a variety of surprises! We love the pleasant and resist the difficult. Each of us face challenges and joys. We either hope the day will never end or that we can turn the clock back and start over. When we are in a season of difficulties, we may wonder “why me”? Unfortunately, since the disobedience of Adam and Eve, the world and all that is in it face painful things.

Health issues have left me limited. I have dealt with smaller things like a skinned knee as a child, and larger ones like being abandoned by a spouse. Some were the result of poor choices that have brought pain. Others were the by-product of others and their wounding. Situations and circumstances can feel overwhelming in this world. Sometimes self-pity is banging at the door. It isn’t a surprise, however, that the world is troublesome.

Listening to people relate their problems, it often sounds surprising that they experience troubles.  Jesus spoke to his twelve disciples about the trouble they would face. Referring to his own crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension back to heaven. It seemed unimaginable that trouble was on its way. So, Jesus explained in simple terms what they needed to prepare for, “In this world you will have trouble.”  Thankfully He didn’t stop there. He ended with an encouraging promise that spoke to them and us, “But take heart, I have overcome the world.”

He didn’t say trouble was ending. He reminded them and us that there is nothing in the world that He is unable to see us through. He is greater than our troubles. He is our overcomer! In the whirlwind of life, He is able to do more than we can imagine. Go without fear of what lies ahead, He is already the victorious One over the world and the trouble in it.

John 16:33 (NIV) “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.”

Life holds a variety of surprises! We love the pleasant and resist the difficult. Each of us face challenges and joys. We either hope the day will never end or that we can turn the clock back and start over. When we are in a season of difficulties, we may wonder “why me”? Unfortunately, since the disobedience of Adam and Eve, the world and all that is in it face painful things.

Health issues have left me limited. I have dealt with smaller things like a skinned knee as a child, and larger ones like being abandoned by a spouse. Some were the result of poor choices that have brought pain. Others were the by-product of others and their wounding. Situations and circumstances can feel overwhelming in this world. Sometimes self-pity is banging at the door. It isn’t a surprise, however, that the world is troublesome.

Listening to people relate their problems, it often sounds surprising that they experience troubles.  Jesus spoke to his twelve disciples about the trouble they would face. Referring to his own crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension back to heaven. It seemed unimaginable that trouble was on its way. So, Jesus explained in simple terms what they needed to prepare for, “In this world you will have trouble.”  Thankfully He didn’t stop there. He ended with an encouraging promise that spoke to them and us, “But take heart, I have overcome the world.”

He didn’t say trouble was ending. He reminded them and us that there is nothing in the world that He is unable to see us through. He is greater than our troubles. He is our overcomer! In the whirlwind of life, He is able to do more than we can imagine. Go without fear of what lies ahead, He is already the victorious One over the world and the trouble in it.

by Joy Pedersen