DECEMBER 23 ON THE VICTORY SIDE By Kristopher Stout Executive Vice President of International Ministries, Word of Life Fellowship
Today’s Passage: John 16:33
Jesus wants us, His followers, to constantly be at peace. If you are anything like me, you likely spend much of your day managing all kinds of trouble life throws your way. Peace can often feel like a pretty distant proposition. However, take a closer look at John 16:33, and you will see how Jesus’ peace in our lives is meant to be consistently up close and personal. Firstly, we can be at peace because He wants us to be. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.” (John 16:33a) It is the will of God, His very desire, for you and me to be at peace in the deepest reaches of our soul. The New Testament’s understanding of peace is to have a deep sense of well-being and to be free from worry. Does that describe you? In this crazy, fast-paced, stressed- out world (especially this time of year), we might even feel guilty for being at peace. Yet, that is exactly what He wants for us all the time. Secondly, we can be at peace because trouble exists. It may seem counterintuitive, but I actually feel reassured when Jesus says, “In this world, you WILL have trouble.” (John 16:33b) He knows it’s coming. It’s part of life in this fallen world, but His peace transcends our troubles. It is not dependent on our circumstances. Thirdly, we can be at peace because He has overcome the world. Jesus hasn’t simply overcome all trouble – He has overcome the source of all trouble: the world... the world within us, the world around us, and the world cursed by sin. He has overcome it all; He has conquered sin and death and brought us both eternal victory and everyday victory. So, are you living on the victory side?
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