Trouble and Peace

Jeremiah 16-17; Psalms 96; John 16

“’They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God. They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me…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!’”

John 16:2, 3, 33

Jesus prepares his disciples for troubles and persecution because he loves us. We follow a leader who endured trouble and persecution for the joy set before him. He offers us peace within as we walk in the Spirit, even as we endure trouble around us because of the Gospel and the nature of spiritual warfare. When we are opposed by well-meaning Christ-followers, we, too, must take heart and continue to live with humility and courage. The cost of living on mission with Jesus is high; but there is no greater honor. Jesus gave us his life and calls us to give him our lives. This costly Gospel is transforming the world wherever it is lived and proclaimed.

“Lord Jesus, thank you for preparing me for costly discipleship and for filling me with your peace, for your glory.”