Be Of Good Cheer

John 16:33

In the world ye will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.

Difficult times will come to us while we are in this world, this is inevitable. I don’t think that there is anyone, anywhere who would disagree with that statement. I should hope not, because if there was, they would be disagreeing with what Jesus said in the Word.

The question is not whether or not we will have some difficult and trying times, the question is the origin of these hard times. Many people still believe that the hard times come from God. In some way it is felt that God puts us through hard times to test us and to prove us, to see if we will stay faithful in the midst of trials. Some have even taken the scripture out of context to try to prove their positions. Have you ever heard any one say that the Bible says that God will not put any more on you than you can stand? You may have even said this yourself, thinking that it was in the Bible. Well, it is not. The scripture says that God will not permit you to be tempted above that which ye are able, but will with the temptation will provide the way of escape.

Yes, you may be tempted and tried, but these do not come from God. These challenges have their source in one of these three areas: the world, the flesh and the devil. If we will not be discouraged or fearful in these times and will remember that Jesus said that He has already overcome these things, we will have no problem maintaining the victory that is ours in Christ. We will be able to manifest the nature of Jesus in these times of testing. We cannot listen to the lies of the devil and continue in the victory of Jesus. On the other hand, we cannot help but walk in the victory of Jesus if we will listen to the truth that He speaks.

The next time that you feel the pressure to give up or the tendency to quit, be of good cheer and remember that Jesus has defeated your enemies and assured your success.