“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).
TEXT — John 16:29-33
Message
Epictetus said, “While the emperor may give peace from war on land and sea, he cannot give peace from passion, grief and envy. He cannot even give peace of heart, for which man yearns more than for outward peace.” Billy Graham added, “Christ alone can bring lasting peace – peace with God – peace among fellow humans and nations – and peace within our hearts.”
The disciples of Christ were puzzled and sorrowful as their Master talked about His imminent departure. Who will help, teach, or guide them in His absence? How will they cope with the persecution from the religious leaders? These and many other questions troubled them, and they needed answers. Jesus knew their concerns and reassured them during the upper room discourse. Their grief would only last a short while and end in joy. Moreover, the Holy Spirit would come to fill the void and solve the problems they envisaged after Christ’s departure. Although the disciples claimed they understood Christ’s message clearly, subsequent events showed they did not understand.
Like the early disciples, we are often bewildered by our mottled experiences as believers. We are perplexed by the troubles, temptations, persecutions, and seemingly unanswered prayers that upset our peace. But the Lord assures us that we are not alone in these challenges. He knows the problems; He is with us, making all the difference. The Lord began the discourse with “Let not your hearts be troubled” (John 14:1) and ended with “be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Remember also that at His birth, the angels sang peace on earth, and at the end of His earthly ministry, He gave perfect peace to His disciples. Jesus is the Prince of peace. His victory over Satan and his kingdom is the basis for our peace despite life difficulties.
Becoming a Christian does not absolve us of earthly troubles. Still, it confers on us the ability to navigate through them courageously. Therefore, regardless of any crisis you face, you can experience the peace of God in your heart and overcome it. This peace is rooted in your personal experience of Christ’s victory through His cross. It is peace that passes all understanding; peace that the world cannot take away.
Thought for the day
Peace is not necessarily the absence of trouble but God’s presence throughout the conflict.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
