What are your thoughts when you face adversity?  Are you surprised or is it a “why me” response?   Admittedly, none of  us like to face difficulties but they are a fact of life.  How does Jesus advise us to respond?

In the upper-room, Jesus’ disciples were apprehensive because He told them that they would be scattered (John 16:32).   Perhaps you’re in the midst of a difficult situation.  You can take courage by following the advice Jesus gave to His disciples,

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

Notice that Jesus provides consolation, He says that in Jesus you can have peace.  There are situations you face that can cause you to lose your peace.

I had a challenging situation that caused me to momentarily lose my peace.  I was attempting to make some airline reservations and my computer kept shutting down before I could complete the transaction. Computers can be a great test of our saynctification.  I finally entered the data and hit enter before my computer shut down.  Have you ever hit the enter key and realized you’ve made an error?  I hit the enter key and suddenly realized the arrival time was 11:00 p.m. rather than a.m.!  It was so frustrating!  I called the booking agency and begged for mercy and they took pity on me and cancelled the reservation.

Where do people often look for peace?  Many look for peace in financial security until their investment portfolio plummets.  People are looking in many places except the true source of peace which is Jesus.  In John 14:27 Jesus says,

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you.  Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.

Where are you looking for peace?  Are you looking to Jesus or to the world?   Jesus encourages us to come to Him,

Come to Me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.  (Matthew 11:28)

Realize that Jesus offers you consolation but the world brings you tribulation.  The reality is that life is difficult.  We must realize that life doesn’t always go as planned.  Several years ago I was flying back from India.  I started in Chennai then went to Mumbai then Frankfurt, cleared customs in Newark, then flew to Charlotte,  I had been flying for two days and had one flight left before I returned home but the I didn’t see my flight listed.  The ticket agent said they cancelled that flight two weeks ago.  I was tired and ready to get home but I had to wait.

What is your response to tribulation?  The Apostle Paul gives us a healthy perspective when facing problems,

And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;  and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:3-5)

Following the teaching of Jesus provides you inspiration.  The word “take courage” occurs seven times in the New Testament.  It is  always used in the imperative mood and it is a command that inspires confidence.  Jesus has overcome the world and if you are in Him you too shall overcome!

Are you experiencing peace in your current situation?  Long ago a man sought the perfect picture of peace. He announced a contest to produce this masterpiece. The challenge stirred the imagination of artists everywhere, and paintings arrived from far and wide. Finally the great day of revelation arrived. The judges uncovered one peaceful scene after another, while the viewers clapped and cheered. The tension grew. Only two pictures remained veiled. As a judge pulled the cover from one, a hush fell over the crowd. A mirror-smooth lake reflected lacy, green birches under the soft blush of the evening sky. Along the grassy shore, a flock of sheep grazed undisturbed. Surely this was the winner.

The man who offered the contest unveiled then unveiled the winner and the crowd gasped in surprise. Could this be peace? A tumultuous waterfall cascaded down a rocky precipice; the crowd could almost feel its cold, penetrating spray. Stormy-gray clouds threatened to explode with lightning, wind and rain. In the midst of the thundering noises and bitter chill, a spindly tree clung to the rocks at the edge of the falls. One of its branches reached out in front of the torrential waters as if foolishly seeking to experience its full power. A little bird had built a nest in the elbow of that branch. Content and undisturbed in her stormy surroundings, she rested on her eggs. With her eyes closed and her wings ready to cover her little ones, she manifested peace that transcends all earthly turmoil.

Are you taking courage?  You can have peace in the midst of tribulation. When the devil comes knocking send Jesus to answer the door. You can take courage because Jesus has overcome the world.

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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