UNDAILY Episode 132
Then Jesus’ disciples said, “Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God.” “Do you now believe?” Jesus replied. “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. “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, 29-33 (NIV)
We live in a world that is a constant arena of struggle. The tribulation we encounter can take various forms: from personal battles with sin, through difficulties in relationships, to global crises that painfully adjust our lives. Christ's promise does not assure us of a comfortable life. It is rather a realistic view of the human condition. Tribulation is part of our existence, but fortunately, it only sometimes determines the Christian spirit. In the Bible, we repeatedly see figures such as Joseph, Daniel, or Paul experiencing tribulation, but they were not overcome by it. These examples teach us that although the world can hurt us, it does not have to define our fate. Jesus, speaking of hardships, does not hide reality from his disciples but promises that he will not leave them alone. "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." This assurance is cited by Matthew in the twenty-eighth chapter of the Gospel. This message is an invitation, in moments of doubt and fear, to seek Jesus, His presence, and support.
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