You WILL Have Tribulation

John 16:33

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you WILL have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. (emphasis mine)

• Change of residence, lack of food, jealousy and resentment in the family, war with enemies, giving up a child, death of a spouse….Abraham and Sarah.
• Sibling rivalry, conflicts with spouse, economic problems, senility….Isaac and Rebekah.
• Selfishness, stubbornness, conflicts with employer, deceitfulness, jealousy, greed…Jacob, Rachel, Leah and Laban.
• Pride, jealousy, deceit, temptation, imprisonment…Joseph.
• Self-sufficiency, fear, sorrow, deprivation, disappointment….Moses.
• Fighting, war, exile, loneliness, adultery, murder, loss of child….David.
• Loss of husband, change of residence, economic pressures….Ruth.
• Anger, bitterness, loneliness, childlessness, agitation…Hannah.
• Loss of wealth, health, family, recognition, everything….Job.
• Ridiculed, misunderstood, imprisoned, beheaded….John the Baptist.
• Mocked, hated, homeless, hunted, betrayed, denied, tortured, crucified….Jesus. (p. 21-22)

Recognizing that our circumstances will be unpleasant, we can cling to the words of Christ who declared "I have overcome the world!" Which he did. He overcame sin, Satan, death, and the grave. Then He left the tomb empty and left the Holy Spirit to counsel, comfort, encourage and teach us. (p. 22)

Our challenge as Christians, then, is to live "above the circumstances." This doesn't come naturally but is learned. In writing to the Christians in Philippi, Paul stated, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (Phil. 4:11b-13). Therefore, rather than fretting (like Hannah), fighting (like Jacob) or fleeing (like Jonah) when the unpleasant circumstances come our way, we can find our strength in Christ and stand by the Proverbs 31 woman who "shall rejoice in time to come" (vs. 25). (p. 23)

The Bible gives us further instruction for putting a guard over our anxious hearts and minds: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:6-7) Prayer, supplication and thanksgiving equals peace. Remember, it's not just thanksgiving for nice things, but "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thess. 5:16-18). (pp. 24-25)

Sara Ann DuBose, Conquering Anxiety (Atlanta, GA: Committee for Christian Education & Publications, 1989)