Devotional:Expect Difficult Situations:John 16:25-33

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you might have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Our country along with the entire world has come through a pandemic. The COVID-19 corona virus killed millions of people the world over. Although no longer classified as a pandemic the virus still lives in the world and poses a danger to life. As I write this devotional our country is struggling with an unstable economy. We are involved in a war in which Russia threatens to defeat Ukraine and annex it to their country. The east coast has just been devastated by hurricane Ian. Many Christians believe that more people than ever before are antagonist towards God and the people that worship Him and proclaim His name.

At the same time there is an increase in claims of racial discrimination, violence, abuse of drugs, and mental health issues. Where is God in all of this? What should the people of God do as they live with these struggles? There are numerous Christians that believe that the answer lies in social justice movements and faith based communities working together with government to find ways to reduce these problems; hopefully eliminate them. Can human being eliminate the problems that exist in the world? What did Jesus tell His disciples?

In John 14-16 Jesus tells His disciples that He is returning to the Father, and He promises them that he will return to take them with Him to the Father. While He is gone, the disciples are to tell the entire world about the savior for all that believe in His name. Jesus will send them the Holy Spirit to be with them. The Spirit will empower them to do the work of evangelizing the world. The spirit will help them to do the work in every situation; providing strength, comfort, memory, and courage.

Jesus never tells the disciples that the work will be easy. Rather, He tells them that the work will be very difficult. Jesus does promise them that they will have peace in a world filled with tribulations. They are not told to depend on the institutions in the world. After all, the institutions in the world are the source of their tribulations. They will have peace because Jesus has overcome the world. The world cannot stop them because the Holy Spirit will be with them. Jesus promises the disciples that all who believe in Him will experience a sense of well-being and security even in a world that often seems out of control.

The troubles of the world are inevitable. They are not going anywhere. Those that belong to Jesus do not need the situations to change in order to experience peace. We can expect difficult times, but we have peace from the work of the Holy Spirit that lives in us.

Prayer: Thank You Jesus for the peace that You give to us. Amen.