Thursday, February 16, 2023

As a child, I don’t know if anything was worse than hearing my mother say, “Sit down. We need to talk.” Those words always turned a sunny day extremely cloudy. At age five, the dreadful phrase preceded the news of my grandmother’s cancer. And she uttered those words again when I was seven to break the news of her Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis.

Various people repeated those same sentences as I grew older, and I can’t recall a time when bad news didn’t follow.

“We should see other people. . .”

“Your great-grandmother passed. . .”

“We have to lay you off. . .”

Or my favorite, “I think we should… (silence) …do “experience gifts” for the kids instead of toys and devices.”

Okay, that last one isn’t bad, but my wife has a way with dramatic pauses that really make it seem like horrible news is coming. She doesn’t do it purposely, but the conversations that follow those four little words are rarely calming. In fact, because of that, I feel we should all consider avoiding any statements similar to “We need to talk” unless Jesus is leading the chat. After all, his way with words remains unmatched.

John 16:33
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

That verse ends a conversation Jesus had with his disciples while Judas schemed to bring him down. That ultimate betrayal led to Jesus’ arrest, denial, and crucifixion. It wasn’t a secret. Still, he smiled. Everything was wrong, but Jesus offered peace and made it right. It was dishonorable for his chosen ones to turn their backs in the coming hours, but Jesus turned toward them. It was disgusting how Jesus’ people contributed to his fall, but he graciously suffered and overcame darkness to save those same people and the generations to follow.

Jesus knew that one day his disciples would enter their own trials and sorrows. They would suffer, but it would be less because of his victory. Seeing Jesus’ predictions come true allowed them to understand—he overcame what no other could, and it was truly done for everyone. He came back for everyone who found peace in him. That peace will conquer the unrest in all of us.

Questions:
How do you find peace in this world? Do you understand that following Jesus doesn’t eliminate your trials and tribulations, but finding peace in him lessens the impact?

Next Steps:
Start building an authentic relationship with Jesus by attending a weekend service, studying your Bible, and joining a Group. Pray for understanding, and continue to follow God’s purpose for your life.

Prayer:
Lord, I strive to be better tomorrow than I am today. Grant me wisdom in the things I am meant to understand and help me find peace in a more fast-paced life than ever before. Remind me to come to you during difficult times and before the difficulties begin. Amen.

This post was written by Jaron Camp. Jaron is a storyteller and a professional ghostwriter who enjoys using his gifts to write for the LivingItOut. When he’s not developing fictional worlds, researching, and writing, Jaron enjoys watching sports, participating in family game night, and spending time with his wife and four kids.