Victory Certain!

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.] John 16:33 AMPC

Jesus leaves us in no doubt as to what we are in for. When he encourages our hearts, it is because he knows that there are dangers ahead. In and by ourselves, we would not survive, so he has provided a support system to ensure that we have all the help we need and we get to the desired end.

The world is in turmoil. The nations of the world claim to pursue peace, yet the most powerful ones continue to stock weapons that could wipe out the whole of humanity. The world has developed tools to make life better, yet while the quantity increases, the quality of life decreases by the day. Men build high walls, forgetting that death and destruction do not respect borders. Where then is safe?

Today's extract establishes one truth: there is only one place where life will make sense, and that is IN Jesus. Note that he didn't promise a smooth ride, he only says that perfect peace and confidence will be found in Him alone. The world offers no such things, as it does not have them. The popular legal maxim says' "You cannot give what you don't have". No assurance by the world can guarantee you eternal life as the world itself does not have that in itself. Life is defined and expressed as a person, not an idea, a place, concept or theory. It is found in Jesus.

The world only has tribulation, trial, distress and frustration. No matter how rich you are by the world's standards, you will always crave for more. The more you get, the less you sleep. The more you get, the more you suspect. However, when you add the presence of God to whatever you have, you have all it takes to remain calm, joyful and confident in the face of the world's assault. Who lives in you will determine how you react to what goes on around you.

When I am in Him, what I get is all round protection. Nothing comes to me without going through him first. He says he has deprived the world of the power to hurt all who are in him. So I can face life with confidence, assured that I am in the best hands, backed up by the only power worth mentioning. I know why the 3 Hebrew men, Daniel, Paul could face certain death, because they knew that the One in them was greater than the greatest threat the world could  muster. Do I have that same assurance? Have I sorted out my ownership and identity? His time of favour is here.