“Jesus said, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
I recently saw a Twitter post where a person struggling with life stated, “I’m living in Spain, and the “s” is silent.” Many people are experiencing some kind of tribulation in their life. Christians are not exempt from problems and pain. We will have them…it’s not a matter of if but when. Jesus does not sugarcoat that fact. He is not being pessimistic, but realistic.
But the good news is also realistic: He offers us His peace. When tribulation hits, many choose to wallow hard, and feel sorry for themselves. Others tend to swallow hard, without sharing their hurts and pains with God or others. They grin and bear it, and carry on until that pain, confusion, doubt or frustration catches up with them.
But we can have the peace that Jesus offers. Jesus does not promise us the grace to remove our trials, but the grace to receive trials. So, take heart in this world, problems are permanent, but in Christ, peace is possible.