Day 77

Today we are going to look at Principle 3: When trouble comes it doesn't have to overcome you. Some Christians seem to have the mistaken idea that just because they have been spiritually born again and translated out of the kingdom of darkness and into God's Kingdom of light, that they should not have any more trouble or difficulties in this world. No; you will have trouble in this world. Jesus said so, "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

What is the trouble Jesus referred to? The Brethren Commentary said: "Tribulation is the consequence of living contrary to the course of the world. But through it all Jesus has gone, without faltering or deviating in the least, whereby he has paved the way for his followers, setting an example that they might follow in his steps." The world is headed in one direction and those in Jesus Christ are headed in a different one. Imagine two groups in an elevator, one trying to go up and the other wanting to go down. There would be tension as who is to control. In the same way, the world we live in is full of tension between those of us following Jesus and His teachings and the rest of the world following false beliefs.

How do we deal with this tension? We deal with the tension by walking, speaking and confessing God's Word. As we do it sanctifies (cleanses us) us and makes us more Christlike which in turn creates more tension. You see the cycle; Word, tension, more like Jesus! Today, don't run from trouble; instead, know that you shall have "peace." (more on peace tomorrow) Remember, because Jesus has overcome the world, so will you! Now go find some trouble and overcome it with the Word!