It’s a sad Sunday. First, because the Patriots aren’t playing for the first Sunday in weeks, and second, because I’m saying goodbye to my family before I go back to college. If I’m honest, I’m also anxious for all the challenges this semester holds. I have linear algebra to learn, python to master, relationships to work on, and commitments to uphold. We all have things stressing us out, hiding in the backs of our minds, waiting for a moment of peace to jump out and scare us. On our own, we’re helpless to these worries. Ever since Adam’s fall we’ve had to combat anxiety’s teeth. Jesus has an interesting promise about that. Before He was arrested, he gathered his disciples and summed up his ministry. In John 16:33, He says, “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.” First, He’s reminding us that His ministry proves that a loving God watches over his children. We can rest knowing He keeps us safe. Second, He’s contrasting that peace in Him with the troubles of the world. One way his ministry shows peace is through his promises. Here’s a promise directed at all of Israel from the Old Testament. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord. ‘Plans for welfare, and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope.’” (Jeremiah 29:11, NASB) We’re part of his divine plan, as the people he has covenanted to protect.
His ministry proves that a loving God watches over his children. We can rest knowing He keeps us safe.
So, there’s a disconnect between these awesome promises God has for us and the stressful place that we’re in. One of the reasons for this is that we could be trusting more. We completely trust that a chair will hold us, so we sit with no fear. If we completely trust in God’s promises, we likewise can have no fear. It’s just like Superbowl LI, no? Imagine you hadn’t seen the game but you saved a rerun. You’re about to watch, when you see a spoiler on Facebook - the Patriots win! During the second half, when the Patriots are totally losing, are you worried? Does it bother you when the Falcons score another touchdown, sealing the Patriots fate? No, you love it! The worse the score, the more of an upset you happily expect. When the Patriots get the ball in the third quarter, down 3-28, you’re not worried - you’re excited.
Likewise, sorry for the spoiler, but God wins. He wins in Revelation, He won on the cross, and in our John 16:33 verse, He says “I have overcome the world.” God wins. The worse things get, the better God’s comeback is going to be. Whatever you’re anxious about, God will have victory in that area. For my next semester, God’s victory might look like an easy semester with fulfilling relationships. Perhaps it will look like a difficult time where I learn from the challenge, or it might even be a semester where I fail at everything I try. Which one will it be? The one that pleases God most, and the one that best matches up with his promises. And because I trust him, even though it might hurt, I’m okay with that. At least, I want to be okay with that; the actual practice will be a lot harder. If God wants me to suffer and learn, I’ll suffer and learn. It’s in His hands, but at least they’re the trustworthy hands of the real GOAT. And that gives me peace.
Lesson: God wants us to rest in Him by trusting his promises.
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