BE: Be of Good Cheer.

John 16:33 KJV “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

All of us will have our share of trials and troubles in this life. We will have our share of valleys and even seasons of drought. Nobody is exempt from the storms and the winds that wreak havoc in our plans and dreams. These things will just happen, sometimes without warning.

Unfortunately, these ups and downs are just part of life here on this earth.

But even in ALL OF THIS – Be of Good Cheer – Christ has overcome the world.

Here is some encouragement from the book of James….

James 1:2-3 NLT “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.

So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”

Here is Paul to the church of Rome…

Romans 15:13 NLT “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

In the focus verse from John 16, Jesus was preparing his disciples for His death, burial and resurrection.  He was trying to explain that although it would look like a defeat, it really was a victory.

That victory was not just for them, but it’s for all of us today.

Earlier in this chapter, Jesus explained about the promise of the Holy Ghost that would come after He ascended into heaven.

John 16:5-7 KJV “But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?  But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.”

A couple chapters earlier, He is prepared His disciples for His departure, but explained to them that He that would not leave them comfortless.

John 14:16 KJV “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;”

John 14:18 KJV “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.”

His death, burial, and resurrection were not only a fulfillment of a promise of salvation for us…but also a fulfillment of a promise that we can have GREAT joy and BE OF GOOD CHEER. Even when life seems unfair.

I want to encourage you today. In the midst of your mess, BE OF GOOD CHEER.

I want to encourage you today. During your valley, BE OF GOOD CHEER.

I want to encourage you today. If things don’t seem to be in your favor, BE OF GOOD CHEER.

For when your FAITH is tested, there is a bigger picture and plan that God is working on.

I don’t know every “WHY” for our dark times, but I do know the “WHO” that can give us JOY in the midst of it all.

Be of good cheer today!