PATTER'S WEEKLY NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
IN THE WORLD YOU WILL HAVE TRIBULATION
BY PAT GULLEY
John 16:33
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. (KJV)
When Jesus spoke these words he was just hours away from the Cross. He chose his words well at the end, much like hearing the last words of a loved one who is about to leave this earth and enter into their eternal reward. And what did Jesus say? "In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
He planned that these words would help and comfort His followers during the hard times that were sure to come. The world's government and religious leaders crucified God's only begotten Son; but His spoken words still bring us help and comfort in these trying times of the 21st century. Jesus tells us to be cheerful when we go through tough times. He also told us why we could be cheerful. It is because we are safe in Him and in His victory over death, hell, and the grave. (Remember John the Revelator: Rev 1:9)
It is possible for us to have peace in the midst of trouble. It is possible for us to be of good cheer in the middle of sorrow and suffering. It is possible because Jesus did the impossible. He paid the price we couldn't pay, and He lived the life we couldn't live. He redeemed us from the curse of the law that went into effect in the Garden of Eden (Gen 3:14-19) and gave us new life through faith in Him when He was raised from the dead.
Jesus indeed overcame the world. He said it before He did it. Isn't that cool? He spoke of His Victory over the world and the devil before He even stood before Pilate or was nailed to the Cross. (This is what we call 'faith' Rom 4:17)
Persecutions and afflictions, trials and tribulations will happen to one and all residents of planet earth. The Apostle Peter also wrote the Church and warned them of the fiery trials that would come their way. He told them not to be surprised when things went terribly wrong as though some strange thing happened to them. But he did warn them to check their lifestyle and make sure the problems that were happening were happening because they were doing what was right and not because they were doing something wrong. (Mark 4:17)
1 Pet 4:12-16
12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.
16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. (KJV)
Christian friends, we are in the world to be witnesses to the love and faithfulness and mercy of God. We are ordained to spend eternity in Glory with Father and Son and all members of His Holy Family. But in the meantime, in between time, let us be ever mindful of His Presence with us and let us always remember that God is pleased when we trust His Word and when we shine as lights in the night that others may see and give Glory to Him. Be of good cheer. We win.
BY PAT GULLEY
John 16:33
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. (KJV)
When Jesus spoke these words he was just hours away from the Cross. He chose his words well at the end, much like hearing the last words of a loved one who is about to leave this earth and enter into their eternal reward. And what did Jesus say? "In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
He planned that these words would help and comfort His followers during the hard times that were sure to come. The world's government and religious leaders crucified God's only begotten Son; but His spoken words still bring us help and comfort in these trying times of the 21st century. Jesus tells us to be cheerful when we go through tough times. He also told us why we could be cheerful. It is because we are safe in Him and in His victory over death, hell, and the grave. (Remember John the Revelator: Rev 1:9)
It is possible for us to have peace in the midst of trouble. It is possible for us to be of good cheer in the middle of sorrow and suffering. It is possible because Jesus did the impossible. He paid the price we couldn't pay, and He lived the life we couldn't live. He redeemed us from the curse of the law that went into effect in the Garden of Eden (Gen 3:14-19) and gave us new life through faith in Him when He was raised from the dead.
Jesus indeed overcame the world. He said it before He did it. Isn't that cool? He spoke of His Victory over the world and the devil before He even stood before Pilate or was nailed to the Cross. (This is what we call 'faith' Rom 4:17)
Persecutions and afflictions, trials and tribulations will happen to one and all residents of planet earth. The Apostle Peter also wrote the Church and warned them of the fiery trials that would come their way. He told them not to be surprised when things went terribly wrong as though some strange thing happened to them. But he did warn them to check their lifestyle and make sure the problems that were happening were happening because they were doing what was right and not because they were doing something wrong. (Mark 4:17)
1 Pet 4:12-16
12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.
16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. (KJV)
Christian friends, we are in the world to be witnesses to the love and faithfulness and mercy of God. We are ordained to spend eternity in Glory with Father and Son and all members of His Holy Family. But in the meantime, in between time, let us be ever mindful of His Presence with us and let us always remember that God is pleased when we trust His Word and when we shine as lights in the night that others may see and give Glory to Him. Be of good cheer. We win.
posted by Metamora Patter at 8/16/2006 12:09:00 PM
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