John 16:33, “…in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

DAILY READING;   Luke 2:1-20; Ezekiel 37; Isaiah 60

In 1997, Deon Sanders, one of the most gifted athletes in America, drove his car off a cliff in a suicide attempt. Many people couldn’t understand why someone that obviously seemed to have it all, would want to kill himself.
At that time, Deion Sanders popularly called “Prime Time”, was one of the most versatile athletes in the history of sports. He had won two Super Bowls and appeared in a World Series. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, had made a lot of money, and even released an album.
Yet, in spite of the wealth, fame, and status, he felt he couldn’t handle the trials and tribulations of life. He felt empty, no peace, no joy and felt it was better to simply die.
Amazingly, after he drove off the cliff, and fell in an almost 40-feet drop, he survived without any significant injuries.
Somehow Deon knew that God was behind his miraculous survival and so began a quest to know God. One day, after he had a talk with a fellow teammate who was a Christian, Deon then went home, got on his knees and gave his life to Christ. From that moment the joy of the Lord filled his heart and his life gained new purpose.
As he continued his sports career, Sanders committed himself to living a faith-first lifestyle. He wrote in his autobiography that loading his heart daily with God’s Word gave him the strength to stand strong in the face of any storm. He said that the Word of God transformed his life and gave him the courage, the wind and the wings to excel in life.

In the world today, many people are afflicted with the contradiction of looking powerful outwardly but being conflicted inwardly. Oftentimes, we don’t know what people really go through behind the scenes. Though outwardly they may seem to have it all, inwardly their lives may be full of turmoil. Just like Deon Sanders when things spin out of control, these people easily throw up their hands and throw in the towel.

The truth is that no one can overcome the struggles of life by their own strength. No matter how rich or powerful a man may seem, life will remain a struggle if Christ is not at the center of it all.
As believers, our anchor in this life is the Word of God. When the winds blow and the storms roar, the only thing that can keep us from falling apart is focus on the Word.
When Peter was walking on the water, focus on Christ kept him from sinking. Likewise, it doesn’t matter what may come against you, when you keep your eyes  on Jesus, you can walk on the water and never fall. Jesus will always be our bridge over troubled waters. He is able to handle whatever comes our way. He holds our lives and our future in His hands. And despite life’s tribulations, through Christ we can always overcome.

In John 16:33, Jesus said, “…in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

Indeed through Christ we can weather any storm and overcome any wave that comes at us. Today, globally, there are concerns about the future, finances, health, family, career etc. But even in the midst of the chaos and bleakness in the world, God still reigns supreme and is in control. As long as we can focus on the Word and retain our joy we are destined to always triumph.

Nehemiah 8:10 says ” ‘Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength’ .

The joy of the Lord is indeed our strength. Our lives and times are in God’s Hands. He knows our end from the beginning and even right now, He is working all things together for our good. Indeed the good work He started in our lives this year God will surely complete it. Because Christ lives, we can face tomorrow, and through Him we have overcome the world.

PRAYER: Lord  I know that  because You live, I can always face tomorrow. Thank You for the grace to keep praising You in every situation, because I know that indeed all things are working together for my good  in Jesus Name.

Quote The tests you are going through in life today is not for your destruction, it is for your testimony. – WORDBITE 222