“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.

“These are the times that try men’s souls.” Written in 1776 by Thomas Paine as the American Revolution drew to a close. Paine wrote to encourage and incite the soldiers to continue fighting, appealing to their patriotic pride and the peace they would receive as victors.

The world has not changed much in the struggle we face between good and evil. Jesus concluded the Sermon on the Mount with these words of comfort: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.

We face numerous circumstances that may leave some wondering what is next; how do we endure and fight the good fight? We must remember that the kind of battle we’re engaged in is spiritual, and, most importantly, it has already been won by the captain of our souls, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior!

Jesus hung on that old rugged cross; He paid it all to redeem us and give us eternal life. “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” John 19:30.

It is frequently stated, if not usually, “What is this world coming to?” – as though nothing could be worse! But if by chance we think that we have it far worse than the saints of old, the bible reminds us that they were afflicted, sawn asunder, tormented, destitute, and forced as outcasts to live in caves, among other things.  But let us be encouraged by the greatest example of all: “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2.

As God’s beloved children, we’re in good company-James 4:12-13 states: “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”

My friends, must Jesus bear the cross alone and all the world go free? No! There’s a cross for everyone, and there’s a cross for me.

Pandemics, earthquakes, starvation, illness, death, and all other ills are products of this fallen and sinful world; and because we truly love the Lord and stand on His Word, we must stay on guard, because the enemy of our souls opposes and fights us on every hand.“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” 1 Peter 5:8.

Let us remain steadfast, keeping Jesus’ words at the forefront of our minds and hearts… “but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Joh. 16:33b. 

Yes, we are living in trying times, but thanks be to God, because our Savior lives, every born-again believer is equipped to win the fight by the power of Almighty God. 2 Corinthians 4:7 states, “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”

Therefore, no matter what happens today, let us rest on the promises of God that nothing and no one can ever separate us from His love!

“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39.

God’s blessings of strength, peace, and love be with us all.