John 6:33 “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world.”
Picture two men on a flight, both of them having been given a parachute. One is told it’ll improve his flight, whereas the other one is told he’s going to have to jump. Both of them get ridiculed, so the former one takes his off, feeling humiliated and disillusioned. The latter doesn’t mind the minor discomfort or mockery, because he knows he’s ready to jump.
Imagine an air-steward tripping and pouring scolding coffee down on that second man. He doesn’t blame the parachute. No, if anything, he might cling to it even tighter and look forward to the jump.
If the gospel is just about God’s’ wonderful plan for our life’, in all likelihood we’ll end up like the first man when the flight gets rocky. His motive of an improved ride was false, so he ditched it. However, the second man had the right motive, so he stood firm.
Trials and tribulations draw the true believer closer to God rather than pushing him away, but sadly many people who profess to follow Jesus abandon him when things get tough. Why? Because they bought into a ‘me-centred’ gospel which promised all blessings at no cost.
Our verse above has two parts. Together they provide a balanced understanding of our lives in Christ. If you just believe the first half, you’ll be miserable. If you just take the second half, you’ll be an annoying triumphalist until things go wrong, and then you’ll probably jack it all in.
So if you’re going through a tough time at the moment, hang in there. Be encouraged. You’re probably on track. Jesus didn’t say it’d be easy. He didn’t promise an easy journey. But he does guarantee a safe arrival.
Lord, help me take heart today because you have overcome the world, and so likewise your Word says we are more than conquerors through Jesus. Amen!
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