Victor, Victoria!

John 16:³³ “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.” [NIV, with emphasis]

Jesus says in this world you will have tribulation but you are not without hope. So be of good cheer because Jesus has overcome the world. What this means for us is that through Jesus we too will overcome the world. Characteristically, trials are inevitable, of different types, impartial and they are unpredictable. Crisis is unpredictable. Matt.8:²⁴ “Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping”. The storm came without warning. Crisis just happens and it happens without any warning.

Pilots tell us that there is something called clear air turbulence. They say you do not see it but when you hit it, you feel it. A lot of us have bumped into clear air turbulence and it has set us back many years. God will help us to recover, in Jesus Name. We cannot always predict when a tragedy will happen. Sometime, God will hint you. I can tell you stories of how God has hinted me about many things but sometimes nothing is revealed. You cannot always guarantee that you will know. Your only guarantee is knowing how to handle it when it comes.

When you are experiencing storms, it is common for some people to conclude that you must have disobeyed God. So they will say things like, ‘check your life’. Guess what? The disciples obeyed Jesus and entered the boat with Him but they still had troubles. How much more can you be in God’s will than being in the same boat with Jesus and heading in the same direction? The truth is that crisis is inevitable, of different types, impartial and unpredictable. But you and I can choose our response to the crisis.

If you put two people in the exact same situation, interestingly both of them will respond differently. The disciples responded to the storm in panic. These men were actually professional fishermen who grew up exploring this same Lake of Galilee. But they panicked when they saw the storm. The storm that makes the pro panic must be a serious storm. The diagnosis that makes the specialist to breakout in sweat is definitely serious. But Jesus responded in peace.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I will consistently overcome the world by the Blood of the Lamb and through Christ. Help me to respond in peace no matter the situation, in Jesus Name. Amen