Sisters in Christ,
“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.” John 16:33
I probably don’t need to tell you that in the span of a few short weeks, life as we have known it has changed. Events and plans have been postponed or unfortunately cancelled, fear for health and safety is paramount, and the whole world is shut-down and separated through “social distancing”. Our lives have slowed down exponentially, but somehow, we are still fraught with chaos, worry, and anxiety. Just watch the news for a few minutes or read through any article on a Coronavirus (COVID-19) update and notice how quickly your mind can start racing or your blood pressure starts to rise.
This time of “stay-in” orders reminds me of Jesus’ final night in the upper room with the disciples. In the midst of the chaos of crowds, the pressure from the Pharisees, and the impending hour of Jesus’ sacrifice, our Lord set aside time to stay-in with His disciples. Jesus encouraged them and reminded them of the things He had already taught them. He served them by washing their feet and taught them a new commandment through His example of love. Jesus warned them of their weaknesses and inevitable betrayals that would separate them from the Father, but He also revealed that He is the only Way, Truth, and Life. He comforted them as He shared the forthcoming of the Holy Spirit who would soon empower them to follow Jesus fully.
All of these things that Jesus says though, can be summed up in this: “in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Jesus doesn’t say that we might have tribulation, but that we will have it. And this is the greatest part of this verse: the courage and peace we can have because Jesus has overcome the world. In another version, it says “take courage; I have overcome the world”. Taking courage is a choice we must make as we wait on the Lord to do what He is already going to do (Ps 27:14; Ps 31:24). The world gives us chaos, He gives us peace, and we are called to take courage in Him.
Prayer Warriors, my favorite thing is that right after Jesus spoke these things to them, He bathed the disciples in prayer. John 17 is called the High Priestly Prayer. It is in this prayer that Jesus prays specifically for His disciples; including you and me. I pray that you would take a moment during this “stay-in” to read through Jesus’ prayer of intercession to the Father, and that you would feel the depths of the love of the Savior and the worthiness of the God we are called to worship. Be moved to pray powerfully in the Spirit for your ladies this month, that they would “take courage” as our Lord is the Overcomer!
In His grace,
Jaime Angel