Persevering Peace That Overcomes The World

““Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. “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 16:32–33, NASB95)

Jesus’ prophetic words hit the disciples like a bomb, “Behold, and hour is coming and has already come for you to be scattered…” Imagine all your hopes and dreams for peace that would come from the arrival of the Messiah shattered by the words of Jesus, your rabbi telling you that trouble is coming. Jesus predicted great persecution and suffering for Himself and His followers in the coming days. He declared that there would be a “scattering” of His disciples as they would abandon Him during His arrest in Gethsemane out of fear. Their desertion would fulfill the words of the Prophet Zechariah – ““Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, And against the man, My Associate,” Declares the Lord of hosts. “Strike the Shepherd that the sheep may be scattered; And I will turn My hand against the little ones.” (Zechariah 13:7, NASB95)

Self-preservation will lead people to avoid conflict and suffering at all costs. Many people are looking for the “good life” and not necessarily the “godly life.” In their mind, the good life is an easy life with no conflict, but that is not necessarily the godly life. It is easy to follow Jesus when there is no personal cost or threat, but what happens when your life is put on the line? This world is not an easy place to live. The world is in the hands of an evil ruler who seeks to destroy all that is “godly.” For this reason, in the latter days, many will abandon their faith, as Paul declares to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:1–2. Believers shouldn’t abandon their faith because of conflict and suffering because believers have been empowered to persevere through suffering by the power of Christ in them. Jesus persevered because the Father was with Him, and in the same manner, Jesus is with his followers.

In spite of troubles in this life, Christ-followers are encouraged not to abandon their faith but persevere in their faith. Jesus has overcome the world, and there is nothing greater than Christ, who is in you and gives you the hope of glory. As a Christian in this world, you will experience many sorrows and suffering, but Jesus has promised to all those who are in Him will have persevering peace. The persevering peace of Christ is not the absence of conflict but the presence of Jesus, who provides hope through conflict. Because of the victory of Jesus, we are all winners in Him, therefore persevere in the peace of Christ that passes all understanding. May His peace guard your hearts and minds.


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