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"I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
Lately, it feels as if there is a heightened heaviness in our current affairs. Seemingly, our society has gotten worse. We feel as though the world has gone crazy and people have gotten crazier. We say this as if it is a new thing, that people have made bad decisions and acted irrationally for the first time. Perhaps we are particularly fearful that this generation and future generations are growing up in a world that is different from the “good ‘ol days” and just not what it used to be. Are we questioning our Creator and the times He has placed us in — doubting His will and purpose for our lives? Maybe we should be questioning ourselves: are we walking in faith, knowing that God is in control, or are we living a life of futility?
The fact is, no one is exempt from the effects of sin and the struggles that come with it. Jesus said it over 2000 years ago, and those words still ring true. Does this mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? No! Despite these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loves us (Romans 8:35-37). He tells us to take heart: take courage, have confidence, be of good cheer! He encourages us to find peace in Him — the One who won the battle and has overcome the world, the One who carries our burdens, who knows and deeply understands our struggles. He is the One who sees the impact before we do, and He is right there with us.
Let us not be discouraged or filled with uncertainty and fear by the inevitable challenges that will come for this generation and those to come; that is just what the enemy wants! Rather, we must encourage, equip, empower, and raise up this generation by continuously pointing them to Jesus — the focal point who will guide them through the darkness. May we pray for them to have the strength to trust Jesus and know that true peace comes from Him — reminding them they have been placed in these times by their Creator with purpose and intent — for they were born for such a time as this.
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