Tribulation

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. - John 16:33

Do we at times buy into Christianity without reading the fine print? We are told that knowing Christ brings personal happiness, joy, contentment, peace, and spiritual excitement. That’s the large print. And it is quite enticing. But the fine print reads like, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23).

In the Upper Room, with the cross looming on the horizon, Jesus talked about the fine print with the disciples. He knew that they were focusing on the large print, thinking they would rule the world with Jesus as Lord and Master. Jesus said something that brings the whole issue into focus when you understand what He meant. Here it is: “In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33, nkjv). Did Jesus really mean, “tribulation” otherwise translated as trouble, hardship, difficulty, distress, and pressure? Exactly!

Our generation doesn’t like the fine print. Newer translations render the word tribulation as difficulty, trouble or hardship. True, tribulation conjures images of the end of the age, but this is what confronts men and women today. They are the ones whose marriages are in trouble, whose children are struggling with drugs, and whose finances are in shambles.

This is part of living in a broken world, but you must also hold on to the promises of Jesus that allow you to walk through the darkness. “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” He promised. He will walk with you through the valley to the door of His eternal home in heaven.