John 16:33 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.

Today’s verse is a direct quote from Christ that offers great hope to the believer. He gave His followers many advance warnings about what would come in the future (John 13:19, John 14:25). He explained why He was telling them these things (John 16:4), gave warnings, and then ended with encouragement. And it is this encouragement that gives us the greatest hope.

No matter what the future holds for any of us, we need to be aware that He is with us and gives us peace. He gave His disciples encouragement to help them feel peace rather than fear for possible future persecution and hardships. And this peace is not what we think of when we hear the term, but is instead rest in Him (Matthew 11:28). We don’t need to feel fear or anxiety (Matthew 6:25) because He is our hope.

We need to remember that being a Christian does not mean we will never face hardship or persecution. The opposite is true, in fact. Because of our belief in Christ and the hope we have in Him we are likely going to be challenged. We may not suffer the persecution that the early disciples faced (most were martyred), but we will still experience troubles (John 16:2). I have had my faith and beliefs challenged numerous times throughout my life.

But take heart! He is the victor! He has defeated death and has saved us from the consequences of our sins. We are co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17) which means we can have hope in the coming glory. And nothing can change that fact! (Romans 8:38-39)

Is your hope in the promises of Christ? Take heart, friends. He has overcome! Praise His holy Name and thank Him for the grace that saves.

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