You will have trouble

Back in college I memorized something Jesus said in John 16:33. The second part of the verse says this: In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

Think about what Jesus says here. He promises trouble.

Thanks Jesus.

He knows we live in a fallen world, and being his follower doesn't get you a pass. You will have trouble. It's a promise.

But Jesus doesn't leave it there. He goes on to say: Take heart! I have overcome the world.

Even thought we're promised trouble in this world Jesus also lets us know that he has overcome the world. 

But honestly, "Whoop-tee-do, Jesus. What good is that to me?"

I'm glad you asked because that's where the first part of the verse comes into play:

“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.”

Jesus says that in him you may have peace. It's the in him that's the most important part of that verse. 

We are to do life in him. That makes all the difference. 

This Christmas, as we remember that God became one of us so that we might know him, let's also remember to do life in him, because in the midst of this world where we will have trouble, we have a savior who has not only overcome the world, but who promises peace to those who are in him. So let's stay there.