You WILL Have Troubles

I read a tweet the other day in which a prominent pastor said that Christians are not guaranteed a safe and comfortable life, free of trials and tribulations, just because of their faith. While I believe he is correct in his assessment, it is my opinion that the thought is not complete until we take it a bit farther. Scripture does give us a guarantee about encountering rough times in our lives, and the words come from Jesus himself. He is warning the disciples that hard times are coming, and that they will be scattered and scared. Jesus doesn't say to them, "Don't sweat it. Don't worry, be happy!" He instead gives them these words of earthly discomfort:

"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33

It's a very definitive statement from the very source of our faith. You WILL have troubles. Life will NOT be a cakewalk. That's the bad news, and if you've been alive for any period of time you know it to be the truth. But there is also good news. VERY good news! We walk with a Savior who has overcome this world. He will hold our hand when times are tough, and he will carry us when times are toughest. We are not spared the hardships of life; we simply have the means to survive them. As the Gospel of John reminds us, the Light (Jesus) shines in darkness (this world). And the darkness cannot overcome it. There is evil. There is pain. There is sin. Some days life just sucks. But no matter our circumstances, we are never alone. 

So when life gets rough, remember- Jesus promised us it would be that way. But he also promised we would never be alone. And in the end, Jesus wins. And that is a guarantee we can hold on to!

because of Jesus,