“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – Jesus Christ (John 16:33)
Pain Happens! Problems come! And I don’t “like” it either. No one really ENJOYS pain, right?
But, we can’t read the Bible without seeing pain and problems occurring over and over and over.
Just because you are “good” or just because you have chosen to have strong character and integrity doesn’t mean afflictions will never come your way.
The truth is, we live in an imperfect world where good and evil co-exists. Sometimes we bring bad things upon ourselves due to decisions, attitudes, actions, words spoken, etc, and we suffer the resulting pain and problems.
But, just because you are suffering problems and pain does not indicate that you are evil either! Bad things DO happen to good people. Problems and pain come and go. In fact, they are intended to make us stronger.
The good news is that Jesus tells us to “take heart”, because he has already overcome the world. To “take heart” is to take control of our thoughts and emotions. So, in the midst of your problems and pain, refuse to be overtaken by negative thoughts, self-destructive emotions, fear, regret, guilt, etc. Instead, move forward with the help of Jesus, the one who has already overcome the pain and problems of this world!
(More on this topic at Marketplace Church this Friday, April 5)