Ready Or Not

Have you watched the news lately? People are hurting, confused and searching for answers. Unfortunately in times like these, we often have more questions than answers. We are surrounded by social unrest, corruption in government and a disease that, without apology, is dismantling all we know to be normal. If we were to be so humble, we could admit we were not ready for this moment. We were unprepared for this type of tragedy entering our homes and affecting everything from our personal finances to the health of our loved ones. We were not quite ready to endure global sickness or to forfeit glorious occasions such as graduations and weddings. However this is where we are. Many deem it unfair to have such tragedy thrust upon us. While others will say, “I just wish I were prepared for this, I wasn’t ready.” Although many of us feel we were unprepared for this moment, we cannot say we were not warned. Jesus said to His disciples in John 16:33, “ 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.“ 

In this text Jesus is preparing His disciples for His soon coming death. He is letting them know that the time He has spent with them over the last three (3) years will soon come to an end. This means they will have to face things much differently in the future than they did in the past. Jesus then hits them right between the eyes with a hard truth saying, “In the world you will have tribulation.” This is probably one of the least comforting ways to start this conversation or any conversation for that matter. First, Jesus is telling them He is going away, then He follows up with, “oh and you should get used to tribulation because it’s not going anywhere.” I’m sure their anxiety increased, being reminded that hard times were a certainty and they would have to face them now without the Messiah’s presence. But I believe much like the disciples, we have been hit right between the eyes with a hard truth. Times are challenging and, we too, are facing daily tribulations. But we are offered comfort. Jesus promises two (2) things in this verse. He promises hardship and He promises hope. He says plainly that things will get difficult, but He also says to take heart because He has overcome the world. In other words, He is our victory.

In a world of uncertainty where things around us seem to be declining it could be difficult for us to embrace the reality that we must face tribulation. Please remember, we still have a greater hope knowing that Jesus Christ has overcome what is attempting to overcome us. I pray that you find peace in these words. Ready or not, you will have tribulation in this world, but Jesus has overcome the world on our behalf.