Overcome!

John 16:33
Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

This week, I'm studying a verse that I found in God's Words of Life for Dads, a little book of verses that I picked up at a garage sale several years ago. I love this collection because it was put together specifically as a guidebook for those who are challenged with fatherhood, and it is challenging at times, especially when the things you would like to correct in your children are the same things you have been struggling to correct in your own life for years! Thus, the verse for the week!!

This verse may be looked at in three chunks, so I'll look at the first one today.

Like an excellent father, our Lord didn't pull any punches but spoke the truth directly. He said that here, in the world we currently inhabit, we WILL have trouble.

What if He had said, might have trouble or could have trouble or worse, life will be a breeze! All these would be lies, and it's impossible for Jesus to lie.

There is only one author of lies, and that is Satan. It is Satan who whispers in our ear, "Life shouldn't be difficult. You should have it easier. If something bad happens to you, it must mean that God isn't so caring after all."

Seductive. Sinister. Satan.

Jesus tells us that He is the Way, the TRUTH and the Life! Jesus not only speaks the truth, He IS the truth.

When we were in elementary school, we were told to emulate those who told the truth, who were honest. The original George W. cut down the cherry tree but admitted his fault. Honest Abe walked forever to return a penny that was owed him, for to keep it would have been a form of a lie.

So if the truth is something we should covet, it's important to listen when someone speaks it, especially when Jesus, The Truth,  speaks.

Interesting to note that Pilate, while washing his hands, literally, of the crucifixion of Jesus, asked, "What is truth?"

There before him Truth stood. Here before us Truth stands as we read His words, "...you will have trouble."

So what do we do with this knowledge? More tomorrow.