…In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
— John 16:33

What good news that is to know — Jesus has overcome the world! John 16:33 has been a source of strength and encouragement to Christians for nearly 2,000 years — and it still speaks to us today as we face difficult periods in our lives. Jesus assures us, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

Think about that! Regardless of what challenge or trial you or I face in the days to come, Christ declared that our correct position of faith is to “be of good cheer” because He has overcome it already!

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You may say, “But you don’t understand the difficult time I’m facing right now. Has Christ really overcome everything that I will face in life?” Yes, everything — including the most diffi- cult moments of your life!

To make the point, John 16:33 uses the word “tribulation.” Let’s look at this word “tribulation” to see exactly what Jesus was saying to us. In Greek, it is the word thlipsis, a word that describes distress, affliction, or trouble that is very intense. Jesus declared that He had overcome all of these. However, by using this word, Jesus recognized that times would not always be easy for those who choose to follow Him. Yet regardless of what the world or the devil tries to throw at us, Christ soundly declared — and still declares today, “…But be of good cheer; I have overcome the world!”

The words “good cheer” come from the Greek word tharseo. A more accurate rendering would be “take heart!” — and it also conveys the idea of “be courageous!” It is a word spoken to strengthen someone who was facing a hardship or trial. If you translate the verse more literally, Jesus said, “In this world you will go through some distressing times, but take heart and be courageous….”

Then Jesus went on to assure His disciples, “…I have overcome the world.” The word “overcome” comes from the Greek word nikos, which can be translated to overcome but is also the word for victory. However, the grammar used in this verse doesn’t imply a single victory; rather, it denotes a continuous, abiding victory both now and in the future. Therefore, the idea presented in Jesus’ statement could be interpreted, “I have overcome the world; I am overcoming the world; and I will always be overcoming the world.”

Let the memory of these words provide great encouragement and strength to you whenever you face difficult times. Even if it seems like the entire world is trying to wipe you out, you can hold on to the promise that Jesus has overcome the world; He is overcoming the world; and He will always overcome the world. So regardless of what you are facing today, you can hold fast to that knowledge by faith: Jesus has already overcome the world — and He is with you to help you enforce the victory you possess in Him in the midst of whatever you are facing.

So instead of letting the devil discourage you with thoughts that there is no hope or that you cannot overcome the struggles that seem to be attacking you from every side, grab hold of the truth and declare that Jesus is with you and that you will — with Jesus’ help — overcome the world too!

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY


F
ather, I thank You that You sent Jesus — and that Jesus has overcome the world in every respect. Regardless of what the devil tries to do, Jesus has already overcome it. I do not have to lose heart or be discouraged. I can lift my head, throw my shoulders back, and rejoice, because Jesus has overcome the world and deprived it of its power to harm me. I am more than a con- queror through Jesus Christ, who has given me His overcoming power to make me triumphant in this life!

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

 

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY


I boldly confess that Jesus Christ is Lord over all! Jesus is Lord over every foe and every enemy I face in my life. Jesus didn’t partially overcome the world; He completely overcame it. And because I am in Christ, I share in this glorious victory! Jesus said to take heart and to be coura- geous, so today I take heart and face the future with courage. I am not a victim to my circum- stances because Jesus died on the Cross, defeated the enemy, and rose from the dead victorious over all. He has literally overcome everything that needs to be overcome, and now He shares that glorious victory with me!

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

 

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

  1. In what areas of your life are you overcoming right now?
  2. Have you ever pondered the truth that Jesus already overcame everything you will ever face and that He will give you His overcoming power? Do you know how to receive that overcoming power? If so, how?
  3. In what ways did the Holy Spirit speak to you as you read this Sparkling Gem?