#237: Jesus Has Overcome the World

The 5 Minute Discipleship Podcast

I was reading this week about students are training to become commercial airplane pilots. They spend many hours in flight simulators. These simulators give the students a chance to experience the challenges and dangers of flying an aircraft—but without the risk. The pilots don’t have to leave the ground, and if they crash in the simulation, they can safely walk away.

But while simulators are wonderful teaching tools to help prepare the pilot in training, the devices have a shortcoming. They create an artificial experience in which the real pressures of handling a cockpit cannot be fully replicated.

Isn’t that what real life is like? It cannot be simulated. There is no safe, risk-free environment in which we can experience life’s ups and downs unharmed. The risks and dangers of living in a broken world are inescapable.

The Bible teaches us that believers do not get to escape the difficulties of life. It rains on the just and the unjust.

But there is an encouraging verse of scripture found in John 16:33. Jesus says, “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.”

In John 16 Jesus is preparing his disciples for his death and resurrection. Soon he will be arrested. In fact, as Jesus is talking to his followers, Judas is plotting with the religious leaders in how to betray Jesus.

Jesus is letting his disciples know that the days ahead will not be easy one. They will have trouble. They will be persecuted. There will be days when they feel overwhelmed. But Jesus encourages them by letting them know, they will not be alone.

Listen again to Jesus’ words… “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.”

Three truths from this verse:

•Peace is only found in Jesus.

•In this life everyone will have problems.

•We find encouragement in the knowledge Jesus has overcome the world.

Hold onto this powerful truth today…Peace is found as we stay close to Jesus.

We overcome as we focus on God’s presence in our lives. This is something we must do daily.

Jesus said we would find peace in him. If we are not daily cultivating a close relationship with Him, there is no wonder we feel overwhelmed by our struggles.

-If we have no consistent prayer…

-If we have no consistent time in God’s word…

-If we aren’t connected with other believers

-Then, instead of being an overcomer, we will be certainly be overwhelmed.

As a Christian we have the opportunity to draw closer to God. Yes, we have trouble. Yes, we experience stress. Yes, we have uncertainty, but the presence of God gives us a peace that the world cannot take away.

And although we can’t avoid the dangers of life in a fallen world, we can have peace through a relationship with Jesus. He has secured our ultimate victory.

Today’s Challenge: Despite what you may be feeling or experiencing today, be intentional about pursing Jesus. Listen to praise and worship music. Take time for prayer and the Word. No matter what you are going through, I believe you can experience God’s peace because Jesus has overcome the world.