Jesus told His disciples, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
I’m sure it was hard for the disciples to push out all the noise of their day. There were arrests, executions, sickness, suffering, political unrest, poverty, injustice—all of the challenges that have always been part of the human story. I think their hearts were troubled, just like ours are. That’s why Jesus told them, “Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27).
I can’t help but wonder how in the world can one’s heart not be troubled with all that’s going on?! Do you ever think that? I do. I have been reading the book of Acts, and it’s amazing to see the disciples’ transformation. They went from being afraid and defeated following Jesus’ crucifixion to boldly defying those who opposed them and stopping at nothing to let the world know that Jesus had fulfilled the promise of redemption. What changed? Jesus was risen! When that piece of the puzzle clicked into place, everything Jesus said and did had context.
They saw clearly that Jesus wins! They were confident enough to face all that was going on in their world with peace in their hearts, and to lead others to Jesus despite whatever opposition they faced. Their peace came from knowing that Jesus had won!
This is the same place where we get our peace, and that will never change. Things going on in our world—political conflict, natural disasters, health crises, or personal tragedy—will always threaten our peace. We can choose to go deeper into fear or deeper into faith.
We fight the same spiritual battles that disciples have fought since Jesus’ day. Satan attacks our faith because it is our faith that defeats him. We can put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10–17). We have all the same tools that Peter and Paul had, so we can have the same confidence John had when he said, “This is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith” (1 John 5:4).