Peace Week 2!: Big Trouble Bigger Peace

“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.” (John 16:33)

Jesus said these words to his disciples on the night before one of the most troubling days in human history. He wasn’t kidding when he said they were going to have trouble. It was coming quick, and it would shadow each of them until the day they died.

peace_350So why does he say that everything he’s told them is to bring them peace. Can you have peace and have trouble at the same time? Yes, you can. In fact, that’s one of the big-deal benefits of being “in Christ.” Even huge helpings of trouble don’t need to leave us peaceless.

How? Why? For one thing, Jesus says, he has overcome the world. We have peace because the end of the story says so, even if we’re still in the middle of it. But we also have access to supernatural peace of mind when the worst is raining down by trusting that God is still in power and still acting like a Dad who loves his kids.

Think: Have you ever experienced deep and genuine peace of heart and mind in the middle of big trouble? Do you believe it’s possible because of Jesus and the power of God’s Spirit with us?

Pray: Thank God that Jesus has overcome the world. Ask him to give you peace through trusting him today even when the trouble comes.

Do: Notice this week how your circumstances and your sense of peace are connected – or disconnected.