“Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. “Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.” 1 John 3:2-3(NIV)
What is this world coming to? I am sure that you would at one time or another have heard that resigned or puzzling exclamation as people try to reconcile terrible events happening around them with what they are used to. Such exclamations presume that the past is good and the future is something to worry about and daily events seem to concur with that line of thinking. Even as Christians, we are not immune to the events happening in our world and many of us are daily having to deal with the fallouts of what it means to live in morally depreciating societies.
If the troubles you see around you or are personally experiencing are putting you on edge, you need to remember Jesus forewarned us in His promise that “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.” John 16:33 (NIV) Genuine peace only exists in Jesus Christ who is aptly named the Prince of peace. So, take heart and be unmoved by whatever challenges the world throws at you because He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world. Furthermore, understand that He has overcome the world on your behalf principally to enable you enjoy full and abundant life, which characteristically overcomes every challenge.
It is also important to keep in mind the fact that our hope is to reign with Jesus Christ in His coming kingdom – first here on earth and later in heaven. The bible assures us of this loft end by stating that “Now if we are children, then we are heirs, heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Rom 8:17-18 (NIV). We have a better and more enduring hope in God than in any coping mechanism that the world might proffer as an alternative. The bible says: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” “Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” Mark 8:36-37 (NKJ). So, in the light of this comforting revelation and in spite of the turmoil you see around you, there is a reason to be joyful – the fact that God is still in absolute control and also because we have already seen the end. So, however tortuous the road, we can be sure that our future is assured and totally secure. Rejoice therefore and be of good cheer, for Jesus, our great hope has overcome the world.
If you are still troubled by whatever is ailing you or the seeming bleakness of the future, why not meditate on Phil.4:7 and ask God to fill you with His peace? Then, ask Him to help you understand the reality of His victory over the world in your life so that you too can live in that victory – 1 Jn 5:4-5. I am sure that He will only be too pleased to answer your earnest request.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I know that your son Jesus went through much more that I can ever imagine so that I may gain eternal life. Help me to grasp this awesome gift, so that no matter whether I live in plenty or want, or I have trials or tribulations, I am sure that my future is secure in you.