These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
Such simply words by Jesus, and this statement really sums up our world today.
We have peace through Jesus Christ. We obtain that peace by studying the Bible. We obtain that peace when we accept Jesus Christ as the only Begotten Son of the Father who sacrificed Himself for our sins.
Our sins.
Not His sins.
Not the Father’s sins.
But our sins.
We Have All Sinned
Romans 3:23 tells us,
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
Now we don’t sin as a baby or even a young child. It’s not until we have reached maturity. Not until we understand what is right or wrong.
You see, there is something known as natural law. We all know it’s wrong to steal, murder, and lie. It just feels wrong. God even said, this natural law guides the Gentiles who never knew God’s Law, (Romans 2:14).
Nevertheless, we have all sinned, and “the wages of sin is death” without repentance, (Ro 6:23, 1 Co 6:11, Rev 1:5). So through our belief in Christ, through repentance, we can obtain forgiveness which brings Eternal Life in God’s Everlasting Paradise of Peace.
That certainly brings peace to ones mind.
It brings peace to know there is a Creator of the universe we live in. It brings peace to know, that one day, everything will be set in its proper order. One day, God will right all wrongs.
We all look forward to that day.
We Have Tribulation
However, until that day, we are going to have “tribulation” as Jesus explained.
I want you to know “tribulation” means,
Pressure (literally or figuratively): – afflicted, (-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble.
Look at those descriptive words.
In this world, we will, and do have “pressure” placed upon us to conform to the world.
Do Not Conform
However, we do not conform to the world. We rebuff the “pressure” of the wicked.
Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Instead, you hold the line.
The Christian line.
Not the political line.
Not this or that politician or agenda.
You see, there is only one right or wrong in this world. God already laid it out in the Book. So if you are not conforming to what God said. Exactly what God said, then you are conforming to the world.
Yet, many of us are “pressured” to support political candidates, policies, and agendas to hold off the other side. That’s where we always seem to get it wrong.
There is no other side. There is God’s side and Satan’s side.
If you conform to the world, then you are shacked up with Satan.
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Then, we have other “pressures” in the world which lead us to “anguish”.
Standing against the world is no easy task, Jesus promised you that many times in Scripture.
Yet, if you claim to be a Christian, then you stand for what God said, otherwise…
Matthew 24:51
Ref: Mat 8:12, 13:42, 50, 22:13, 24:51, 25:30, Lu 13:28
And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
If you have ever wondered why there will be “weeping and gnashing of teeth”, maybe this will help. Go read the prior verses there. Reference the other verses to see the context.
- Jesus was talking about Christians who fall away because they think God has delayed Christ’s coming.
- Jesus was talking about false teachers who parade as church leaders.
- Jesus was talking about servants who just couldn’t get it done for God.
Look, the journey we are on through this world is rough and rocky.
You’re on the narrow path my friends. In case you are wondering, that’s the path you want to be on. The rough and rocky path. Don’t fret, the views are better anyway. Just keep on pushing forward.
Easier said than done, I know.
God Will Give You Peace
Yet, never think God has left your side or forgotten about you.
Psalms 29:11
The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.
Peace, just as Christ promised.
“The LORD”, that is Jehovah your Heavenly Father.
He will strengthen you through Christ. God will bless you for standing firm in His Word.
But you cannot give up ground my friends.
- You cannot pander.
- You cannot backslide.
- You cannot cave to the ways of the world.
Doing that will get you nowhere!
It may seem sort of right, but sort of right, is not right. It simply means you will end up being a “weeper” and a “gnasher” when Jesus returns. That’s the world bringing you trouble, if you listen to it.
You don’t want that, you want to stay God’s course, not man’s course.
No one in the mainstream wants to tell you that. They want you to pander. They want you to give in for political reasons, for societal reasons. There is always a reason to do what is wrong, but no one ever gives you a reason to do what is right.
Your reason, to make God proud.
You are His child, that’s why we’re going through this. God’s figuring out who is going to be rewarded in His Eternal Kingdom.
God Will Lead You
But which way do I go you ask?
God speaking…
Psalms 32:8
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
God will guide you, but you must pay attention to the Guide.
You must read the Guidebook.
That is the Bible.
That is where you find God. That is where you learn about God.
Open the Book, and let God guide you through this troublesome world.