"Finding Strength in Faith: What Does the Jesus Say About Trials and Tribulations?"

John 16: 33 says:

"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.”

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This is Jesus talking to the disciples.

I have said these things to you…  What things? 

It’s almost time for Jesus to go to the cross, so He is imparting all sorts of wisdom and making sure they know all the things they need to know before He departs.

Vs. 16 In a little while you won’t see me anymore but a little while after that you will see me again. 

Vs, 28 I came from the father into the world, and now I will leave the world and return to the father.

Vs. 32.The time is coming  when you will be scattered one going his own way, leaving me alone. 

So those things, which would be hard for them to hear. But Jesus is letting them know what WILL happen so when it DOES happen they will have peace in him. 

Peace- in the Greek: 1515 eirḗnē (from eirō, "to join, tie together into a whole") – properly, wholeness, i.e. when all essential parts are joined together; peace (God's gift of wholeness).

So when everything falls apart, you won’t. Cause I (Jesus) prepped you for this.  

(The opposite of peace (wholeness) is worry (going to pieces).  Since you know these things are going to happen, you will not go to pieces or worry about it. You have peace in Jesus)

So here we go… 

In this life you will have tribulation.  

Let’s check the definition in the greek, of course:

2347 thlípsis – properly, pressure (what constricts or rubs together), used of a narrow place that "hems someone in"; tribulation, especially internal pressure that causes someone to feel confined (restricted, "without options").

2347 /thlípsis ("compression, tribulation") carries the challenge of coping with the internal pressure of a tribulation, especially when feeling there is "no way of escape" ("hemmed in").

[By contrast, 4730 (stenoxōría) focuses on the external pressure exerted by circumstances.]

You WILL HAVE… these times/moments of feeling confined, there is no way of escape and you are hemmed in.

You’re going to have them, Jesus says. 

I know we don’t want to hear that. We think because there is a God who loves us, that things should always be great and wonderful with no troubles at all. However, that is what WE think or would like. That’s not what is reality or promised. We were promised/told that hard times WILL happen. (And all our tribulations are different, yet the pressure is probably felt the same)

We were also told to take courage!

Definition please:

2293 tharséō (from the root thar-, "bolstered because warmed up," derived from 2294 /thársos, "emboldened from within") – properly, bolstered within which supports unflinching courage – literally, to radiate warm confidence (exude "social boldness") because warm-hearted.

2293 /tharséō ("emboldened to show courage") refers to God bolstering the believer, empowering them with a bold inner-attitude (to be "of good courage"). For the believer, 2293 /tharséō ("showing boldness") is the result of the Lord infusing His strength by His inworking of faith ("inbirthed persuasion," 4102 /pístis). Showing this unflinching, bold courage means living out the inner confidence (inner bolstering) that is Spirit-produced.

["2293 (tharséō) means 'have confidence, courage, be unafraid,' with the nuance determined by the context" (C. Spicq, 2, 188).]

Take courage!  Take this empowerment of a bold inner attitude that comes from God. Inner confidence. Not flinching. Unafraid. 

Of whatever is happening because...

I have overcome the world. 

Jesus is saying that He has beat the world.

Overcome: Victorious.  All the crap that the world is going to throw at you, with Jesus you are walking away with a W!

Now keep in mind that Jesus at this point has not gone to the cross. The trials and tribulations He previously faced, folks trying to kill him, working 24/7 healing and teaching,  all of that is nothing compared to what he is about to face. Falsely accused, beaten, sentence to death, humiliation, pain, separation from God, death… is to come, but Jesus is saying. I HAVE the victory. It’s done. A sure thing.

Well, I don’t feel victorious. Let’s talk about what the trophy’s look like:

1. Salvation: Secured.  This world is full of trials and troubles, and tribulations. But NOT heaven.  Heaven is All Good, All the time for ETERNITY and that is Yours ONLY in Jesus Christ.  (John 3:16)
   

2. 24/7 Assistance 365 days of the year for the rest of your life right here on earth. In what?  Whatever you need. He specializes. Protection, healing, provision, a friend… no request is too big or too small.  Ask Him for it. He can provide. (Philippians 4: 6-7)
   

3. His Presence. Lo I am with you always… Even when we leave Him. Or lose hope, don’t pray like we should, get weak, give up on Him… He doesn’t leave us. He is still there. And may I add…With his Presence is His POWER! Power to handle your situation FOR YOU! (Matthew 28:20)

It ain’t easy. Tribulations…troubles… trials… suck! We want it to be over. Fixed. Back to normal or better than before. And we want it all done yesterday. 

It may or may not work out that way for you. I can’t tell you how or when your trial will be over. I know it's tough, you feel the pressure, but Take heart! Courage. Confidence in God that since Jesus has the victory, you do too!

#Jesus #Tribulations #whatdoesthebiblesayabouttribulations #pressure #findingstrength