Day 35: Peace
John 16:33

At the moment, our eldest daughter Isabella is mad keen on Superheroes, from The Incredibles to old school 1980’s Spiderman cartoons, our house seems to be full of catchy superhero theme tunes, bright coloured outfits and cheesy quotes. One thing I’ve noticed is that in every superhero programme or film, no matter how bleak and hopeless the situation looks, you always know that the superhero will ultimately use their super power, beat the villain and win. Even when it’s tough, and it looks like it will all end badly there’s always a glimmer of hope, because with all good superheroes they come out victorious.

Our scripture today, John 16:33, reminds us that whatever has happened in our lives with Jesus we will always be on the victorious side.

“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 had spent the last three chapters speaking to his disciples about his death and although they didn’t know it or understand it, Jesus was preparing them for something that would look hopeless, but that actually would turn out to be a victory. He taught them about the way to the Father, he spoke about the Holy Spirit being sent to them, he spoke about the importance of remaining in Him and in the Father. He spoke about his death, that when it happened it would seem as if all was lost, but then Jesus would rise again defeating sin and death, claiming victory and authority over heaven and earth. He says that their sadness will be turned to joy.

And because of these things, the disciples then and now us, can have peace in Christ even when things seem like they’ll never get better; that marriage looks finished, financial insecurity because of a lost job or extra bills, friendships fail, a hopeless situation with your children, struggles with mental health – all is not lost when we intimately know and walk with Christ, when we call on his power and his resurrection life over our situations.

Jesus never said he’d take the trouble, trials, grief and problems away but he does promise to never leave us nor forsake us, to always be our hope and peace and that through all things there will be a victory in our lives.

Prayer
Lord, thank you that you love me so much that you fought and overcame death for me. I choose to hold onto your unshakeable promise of hope and the peace that comes from you, knowing that I don’t need to fear when hard times come. Thank you that you promise to never leave me nor forsake me. Amen

Madeleine Foster
Campus Pastor, Barnard Castle