Take Courage! Part 2

Nowhere in the Bible are we promised an easy ride in this life, which is contrary to what many in Christendom would have us believe. Jesus predicts that this life will be far from easy. Just before His death, He speaks at length to His disciples about His departure, about the coming of the Holy Spirit and how through His impending death and resurrection He has overcome this world. 

“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 NIV

“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.” ESV

"These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” NASB 

Jesus wants His disciples both then and now to have peace in the midst of any upcoming trouble or tribulation. 

The word for trouble or tribulation in the Greek is Thlipsis. Helps word studies gives us a helpful definition. 2347 thlípsis – properly, pressure (what constricts or rubs together), used of a narrow place that "hems someone in"; tribulation, especially internal pressure that causes someone to feel confined (restricted, "without options”).

If one is going through deep suffering, it can cause mental pressure. I personally have firsthand experience of this. This mental pressure is often given a diagnosis label ‘PTSD’ for example. Such conditions can indeed hem you in and make you feel imprisoned with no way out.  I have experienced terrible pressure in my head to the point I though it would explode any moment. External situations, sufferings and pressures can have immense impact on us.  

Jesus would say to me and anyone else who is suffering, “take courage”. Because in Christ there is always a way out. In Him, we can have peace. In Him, we can overcome. In Him, we can move forward. In Him, we can breath again and find purpose in the painful experiences we go through. 

Jesus warns His followers that the world will hate them because they hated Him. He was rejected, we too, will be rejected. He was persecuted, we too, will be persecuted either physically or verbally. John 15:18-20. We are called to follow in His footsteps. 1 Peter 2:21

Following Christ and standing for truth is what cost Charlie Kirk his life. But he always took courage even when certain people laughed at him and mocked what he had to say. He endured people calling him horrible names even to the point of attacking the way he looked. 

He faced it head on and was able to take courage because he knew his Lord was with him enabling to stand firm in the midst of opposition. 

Sorrow filled the hearts of those first disciples at hearing about  Jesus’ departure. But He encouraged them, and He is encouraging us today to take heart in the midst of suffering or tribulation. No, we don’t go looking for tribulation, but is is a normal expectation when one follows the One who was rejected, was despised, was ridiculed and ultimately was murdered. 

The enemy is out to rob, steal and destroy but Jesus gives life, life eternally and He has overcome all including death to prove it. That’s why we can and should take courage. 

I need to take heart and be courageous knowing that His presence goes with me each day. I pray that you can too. 

Prayer: Father, we are so glad that You are with us enabling us to take courage whatever we face. Continue to work in us and through us so that we might become more like You, following in Your footsteps. Amen.