John 16:33 (KJV)

33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world

Often we find ourselves struggling with problems such as trauma, lust, anger, and depression. That is because we are still living in a corrupted world and trapped in time/space. Jesus offers a powerful assurance to us however. 

He acknowledges that in this world, we will face tribulation, challenges, and hardships. However, He immediately follows this with a promise that should fill us with hope and confidence: "but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." Jesus’ victory over sin, death, and all the forces of evil is complete and final. This victory is not just for Him alone, it's something he has shared with us 🥹.

The key to experiencing this victory in our own lives is not found in our own strength or efforts but in leaning entirely on Jesus. It is through faith in Him that we are made righteous and secure as citizens of heaven.

When we place our trust in Jesus, we are united with Him in victory. 

This means that, no matter what we face in this life, we can rest in the knowledge that Jesus has already overcome it all on our behalf. God has made us righteous not because of our own works, but through faith in His Son. This righteousness is a gift, imputed to us because of what Jesus accomplished on the cross. Even when we struggle, fail, or feel unworthy, God sees us as righteous because of our faith in Jesus. This righteousness is not something we earn; it’s something we receive by believing in Christ.

As believers, we are already citizens of heaven, even if we don’t always feel or see it in our day-to-day lives.Our citizenship is secure because of Jesus’ victory. This world, with all its troubles, is not our final home. We are destined for an eternal home with God, where all things are made right.

There are times when our circumstances may make it difficult to see or feel the reality of our righteousness and heavenly citizenship. In these moments, we are called to live by faith, not by sight.  Faith is trusting in God’s promises, even when we can’t see the full picture. It’s believing that God has already overcome all things through Jesus and that our victory is secure in Him.Because of Jesus’ victory, we can experience peace in the midst of life’s challenges. This peace is not based on our circumstances but on the unshakable truth that Jesus has already won the battle. When we lean on Him, trusting in His power and grace, we are filled with a peace that transcends understanding. It’s a peace that comes from knowing that our lives are secure in God’s hands and that nothing can separate us from His love.

Are you feeling defeated or overwhelmed? This is a reminder of the truth that Jesus has already overcome all things on your behalf. All we need to do is believe. Amen? Amen!