By: Undre Griggs, Jr
The statement is as strong as it is simple. When you believe you are not well equipped for the trials in your life: “be of good cheer, I have overcome the world”. When you lose a friend, a job, a family member: “be of good cheer, I have overcome the world”. When you believe you cannot forgive because you cannot forget: “be of good cheer, I have overcome the world”. When you feel alone and feel like no one is there to help: “be of good cheer, I have overcome the world”. When you feel the world is getting worse and almost too much to bear: “be of good cheer, I have overcome the world”.
John 16:31-33 (NKJV): Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. 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.”
Jesus is speaking to His disciples and understands the trials/tribulations that they are going to endure in His name. He speaks on the fact that they will be scattered and fearful; but He reminds them they will always have Jehovah as long as they reside in Christ. Jesus goes on to explain He is teaching His disciples this lesson so they may have peace through turmoil. Knowing what we know about the life/death of the Apostles, how powerful must the peace of residing in Christ be? If the Apostles can find peace during persecution (beaten, stoned, whipped, imprisoned, crucified, etc.), then surely we can find peace in our lives. While overwhelming and downright depressing at times; “be of good cheer, I have overcome the world”.
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