“You will have tribulations”
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 KJV
In the last moments before Jesus was delivered over to His death, He did not offer His disciples a life without difficulty in this world. As a matter of fact, He said the exact opposite, “These things I have spoken to you so that you may be kept from stumbling. They will make you outcasts from the synagogue, but an hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think that he is offering service to God.” The Lord was preparing them for a deeper knowledge of the sin that was not only in them, but in all humanity. This would be revealed to them in a more intimate manner when the Holy Spirit would come and make His abode in them. The Holy Spirit would illuminate to their hearts the purity and inflexibility of every precept of God’s Holy law. This would impress upon their hearts a picture of God’s perfect righteousness and man’s unrighteousness. This would not only prove to them their guilt before this Holy God but would also bring them into conflict with this fallen world. They would have no choice now but to stand in opposition against the world and command all to repent and turn to Jesus Christ and be saved. Jesus told them, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” The heavy yoke of sin was lifted off their souls so they could rest concerning eternity, but it would cost them their lives here upon this earth.
Blessed be the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, Who by His infinite love has not left us here to tread the recesses of the darkness alone. No, but He has raised us up and seated us in the heavenly’s with him by sending His Spirit to dwell in us. Not only this, but The Holy Spirit has sealed us for the day of redemption and has brought us into fellowship with the Father, through Jesus Christ. His Spirit guides us by His word through the enemy’s land as we subject ourselves to His Lordship. Rest assured beloved, there will be many hours that will turn to days when feelings and emotions will be leading you contrary to the narrow gate where many follow. For just as a Nor’easter sweeps its way across the waters casting up large waves that can sink a mighty ship, so to the valleys you will have to cross will seem impossible to the human eye, yet Christ will be with you. You must discipline yourself to godliness and anchor yourself steadfast to the eternal truths of God’s holy word. It will guide you through the dark tempest and the billowing waves of difficulty. Spurgeon once said and how true it is, “I have learned to kiss the waves that throw me up against the Rock of Ages.” Every circumstance and trial you face should force you by prayer into the Father’s hands, Who by His divine power will sustain you and give you the strength of perseverance. Child of God, in this world you will have tribulation: but be of good cheer; for Christ has overcome the world.