Tribulations

Something to think

Tribulations

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

We don't want tribulations. We want our lives to be peaceful, joyful, and blissful. If you only listen to uplifting, edifying, empowering sermons and speakers you might think, as a Christian you should not have problems.

You might begin to think that you are somehow excluded from the blessings of God. Because you do have problems and tribulations in your life.  Christianity is not a utopia. Sometimes we may give the impression that Christianity is beyond tribulations. If we stay in the empowering side of the gospel we may lead people to think that Christians who do Christianity correctly will be without conflict.

If you've been a Christian for a little while you've come to the realization that is not so. We face tribulations and spiritual battles some we will win some we will loose. If your going to live the Christian life your life will be and adventure but it will not be without conflict. Some of the battles will come from growing pains. From the struggle to get rid of the shin in our lives. Some will be spiritual battles that are intended to destroy you. What I am saying is the Christian life is not the end of problems. 

If you look at the lives of men and women of God in both the old and new testament you will find they faced tribulations. In real life past and present the exclusion of trials and struggle does not exist in the Christian or secular life. Struggle is part of our existence.

What makes Christianity different is we win. It may sound simplistic and irrational but we win. The resurrection of Christ is the guarantee of the victory!!!!!! This is what Jesus means when he says "I have overcome the world." John 16:33"
He is saying my victory is not in the moment it is in eternity. It is not just winning the pity battles of life it is in winning eternally. It means in this life we will win and lose. It means however, we end up in this life martyr for Christ or ambassador for him we will ultimately win.

We who believe in Christ will spend eternity with him. In a reality much different that this one. In a reality of peace, joy, bliss, propose and love. In other words we will live the life we want now minus the tribulations.  Our hope is not in incremental improvements but in joyous complete victory. Victory embedded in the resurrection of Christ. Since he it's the first to be resurrected we also will be resurrected in due time. Resurrected to a life with him. That is what "I have overcome the world." John 16:33 means. Total and complete victory for all who choose Jesus. An eternal secure victory that can never be overturned.

Listen, we are not going to simply sit on a cloud with a harp for eternity. We are going to accomplish things which have yet to be thought of. We are going to work for God according to His will and propose. Can you imagine what awesome things the creator of the universe has for you to do. Can you imagine the things you will see the things you will do. Can you imagine  what a life of love,  propose, joy and work will be like in a world where sin does not exist. What will  can be accomplished there? This is the victory of Christ and more. more than we can imagine think our expect. Tribulations come to an end but the victory in Christ is eternal.