John 16:33 “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble and suffering, but take courage – I have overcome the world.”
This verse is a mixed message of peace, bracing for difficulties, needing courage, and believing in victorious outcomes. As we begin 2021, we hope it will be better than last year. Yet we must prepare our hearts for the possibility that this year could be even more difficult. We should be hopeful and prepared.
In John 16, we read of the last hours and the last words that Jesus would share with His disciples before being abandoned by them all and crucified. He challenges them, encourages them, and prepares them for the greatest crisis they will ever face. These were the last, exciting, intimate few moments before the storm. They suddenly saw Him as they had never seen Him before:
“Now we know that You know everything and do not need anyone to question You.” He replied, “Do you finally believe? Look, the time has come when you will all be scattered and I will be left alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace.” (John 16:30-33)
Let’s consider this triple level encouragement.
- Though they will abandon Him, it is okay. He will not be alone.
- He knows that they will also be abandoned and martyred. He is telling them that they too will not be alone. He will be with them, even in the darkest times.
- These words are for His followers right now, that our hope is not in a better year or in better conditions. He is our hope and our peace. He has overcome!
No matter what we face in 2021 – good, better, or worse – we can be filled with confidence, courage, and peace. We are not alone!
May His strength, wisdom, and power guide us in this New Year of opportunities to shine in a darkened world! He has overcome!