Troubled Times!

A Devotion

By Joe Guagliardo

Troubled Times!

 John 16:33; John 3:16-17

December 1, 2023

We all go through difficult times in this world.

Some of us have extended illnesses, others surgical procedures (I’ve had six in the last six years). There are those of us who seem to break or hurt a body part often, while others have illnesses like cancer, digestive problems, or M.S. (as most of you know, my wife suffers from M.S.).

The medical problems and illnesses we see or have during our lifetimes are too many to even number. There’s another illness I just mentioned that you may not have noticed. Our lifetime is an illness. And because of sin, it is fatal. In case no one ever mentioned it to you, we all die. There are no exceptions.

Thank God for sending His Son Jesus who overcame death through His own.

************************The Point**********************

In the Gospel of John, Jesus 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.”

John 16:33

In chapter 16 of John’s Gospel, Jesus speaks of several problems the disciples will have as well as many humanity in general will have.

In chapter 16, Jesus speaks of how He will depart this world in a short time. He also discusses how the disciples will grieve and leave Him alone at the crucifixion (except John). Jesus also talks about childbirth and the pain a woman goes through during it. But all the pain is forgotten once she sees her newborn child.

Jesus is straightforward and tells His Disciples that they will have troubles in this world. The same goes for you and me. As I mentioned, we all experience health problems, loss, and other assorted troubles.

But Jesus tells His Disciples and us that we should take heart because He has overcome the world.

Through His death on the cross and resurrection, Jesus overcame death for you and me. Our slate was wiped clean. And now, because of what He did for you and me, we will experience eternal life with Him.

Why did Jesus do this for us? Why did He allow Himself to die on the cross for our sins? He did it because He loves you and me and wants us to be in eternity with Him forever.

All Jesus asks is for us to have Faith. Believe in Him, His words, His teaching, and what He did for us.

What a great God we have.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

John 3:16-17