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
William Shakespeare wrote, “When sorrows come, they come not single file but in battalions.” When challenges knock at your door, they bring companions with them. They seem to come in gangs. There are many words that describe the challenge – trouble, difficulty or problems – even stress. Tribulation is how the King James translators put it.
Writing to Roman Christians who were undergoing persecution, knowing that the security of their world could cave in at the whim of a government official, Paul said that trouble produces patience or perseverance. When Jesus talked to the disciples about tribulation, He linked our troubles to joy. He said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 kjv).
The Greek word translated “patience” is a combination of two words that literally mean “to remain under” something; hence, the trouble that confronts you produces “staying power.” Simply put, you hang in there and neither turn and run nor blow up in the face of adversity.
Before Jesus informed the disciples that they would face troubles. He said that He was telling them these things so they might have peace. If you’ve never read the fine print, do so. You will find it in John 16, where Jesus promised His abiding strength and presence in the times of storm.
Into every life some rain must fall, but the rain brings the flowers and the color drives away the gray landscape of difficulty. With God’s help, you can win over your problem.
The Lord abhors dishonest scales but accurate weights are his delight. When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. The righteousness of the blameless makes a straight way for them, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness. Proverbs 11:1-5