We Will Overcome

“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

Jesus tells His disciples there will be trouble in this world. We can see trouble all around us; tragedy, disaster, even relationship trouble. With trouble comes questions, particularly the “why” questions. “Why me?” “Why is God not doing anything about it?” These troubles can isolate us; make us feel as if no one else is experiencing what we are going through. Did Jesus experience trouble? The answer is yes. He endured much trouble. He faced betrayal by His friends. He faced physical abuse on the cross. He even asked for a different outcome. And he faced abandonment by the Father. Jesus endured much trouble, but notice Jesus tells the disciples He has overcome the world. He rose after defeating death. We can take comfort in knowing Jesus does not let us go on the road alone.

Jamie Whitmore was a born athlete. Her whole life she was involved in sports, and had a track scholarship to college. In 2002 she began exterra racing, and over the next six years won 37 championships including the World Championships in 2004. She is the most successful female the sport has ever seen. Jamie was diagnosed with cancer in 2008, causing her to lose the use of her lower left leg. After all her treatments, she was told she would never be able to have children due to the radiation. But Jamie proved that wrong, giving birth to twin boys. She was also told she would never run or ride again, but she was determined to get back to exterra racing. Jamie won the National Championships as a Para Cyclist. She endured trouble that could have taken her dream away, but she overcame her trouble by fighting through it. There were many days filled with pain and darkness, so Jamie continued to remind herself that God gives her strength. Her faith was the only thing that got her through. She does not always understand His plan for her, but she believes she is powered by God to overcome any trials that come her way.

God does not promise a life without trouble. In fact, He says that in this world there will be trouble. But God can use that trouble and turn it into something good. With Jamie’s cancer, He was able to use that to inspire others, especially her twin boys. They will grow up knowing that they can overcome obstacles and chase their dreams. One day we will not only overcome our trouble, but the trouble of sin in this life. When Jesus comes again we will have peace knowing that His grace helped us overcome the trouble, and brings us to eternal life. Does God allow trouble to happen? The answer is yes, but He is not the cause of it. Sin is. And someday we will be free of sin and all the trouble it brings. So take heart because we will overcome this world, and rise just as Jesus did.

Prayer
Lord God, Thank You for walking on the road with us and never letting us be alone. Help us to grow from, and overcome, any trouble. Amen