Take Heart

Jesus didn’t need to remind His disciples that trouble was coming. They had already experienced plenty of it—rejection, opposition, persecution. They had been shouted at, spat on, and chased out of towns for following Him.

Yet, on the night before His crucifixion, Jesus still told them: Trouble is coming. Not just tomorrow, but in all the days ahead.

He wanted them to be prepared. He wants us to be prepared.

But look closer at what else He said: “Take heart.”

Why? Because peace is possible.

The gospel of John is full of Jesus’s most intimate, hope-filled words. He speaks of the Spirit’s presence, of His love for us, of His prayer on our behalf. There is peace to be found in what He says.

But even more than that—there is peace to be found in Him.

Jesus didn’t speak these words with hesitation. He knew what Friday would bring. He knew the weight of the cross. But He also knew that Sunday was coming. That death would not hold Him. That His victory was sure.

He has overcome. He is overcoming. He will overcome.

Your troubles are real—but they are not your master. Jesus is. And He has overcome the world.

PRAYER

God, I believe in You. No matter what comes my way, I believe You have overcome the world. Even though trouble is ever- present, You are my constant source of peace. You surround me and protect me. Nothing is too difficult for You to accomplish. I will praise You because You are the One in whom I trust-You are in control. Amen.

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