As kids we learned that heat, oxygen, and fuel generate fire—so it’s always a good idea not to mix the three. Peace, tribulation, and victory, together in the same sentence? Who our how can these three reconcile?
I am glad you asked.
Humanly speaking, tribulation is not a source of peace, and most often we don’t feel victorious in the midst of hard times. However, when we invite Jesus into our circumstances, He has something to say regarding the interaction of these three realities.
In the gospel of John, Jesus said: “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.” (16:33).
Noticed that we can move from three nouns to three certainties:
Jesus will provide peace.
We will have tribulation.
Jesus has already overcome.
One of the ways Jesus provides peace is by orienting His disciples ahead of time. At the beginning of verse 33 Jesus states the reason for which He has said certain things to His followers...that you may have peace. The revelation Jesus offers us in His Word is not only intended to be a provision for the present time but also peace for the future times. We may do well in paying attention to Jesus’ declarations of Himself and what h\He says He will do because those declarations become peaceful orientation in moments of tribulation.
Another thing Jesus provides ahead of time is orientation about suffering. He does let us know ahead of time that suffering is coming our way so that we are not surprised or crashed under it. We will feel the weight of suffering, but it should not surprise us.
Lastly, Jesus guarantees that He has already overcome every aspect of human existence in this world. Furthermore, He has overcome the cosmos.
In light of tribulation, we can have peace by receiving Jesus’ orientation ahead of time, but He also provides real-time help because He is an overcomer and knows how to grant victories within the cosmos.
Are you in trouble or hardship?
Lean on the Savior, go back to the orientation He offered through the gospels. And mostly, lean on His help. He is an overcomer.
Jesus may not remove tribulation from our lives, but He knows how to give peace and victory!
—Diego Cuartas
*Please be advised that this blog represents the views, opinions and beliefs of the writer and does not necessarily reflect those of our church leadership or denominational affiliation.