Jesus said in this world we would have tribulation; John 10:33
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
One of the purposes of God’s word is not just to bring teaching and instruction but also to bring peace. Jesus is called the “Price of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). His Word triumphs over every situation. His word healed this sick, raised the dead, gave sight to the blind and calmed the sea. In fact, Jesus said His Word will even outlast heaven and earth. (Matthew 24:35)
Why? Because His word is not just a book or document, Jesus, Himself is the Word (John 1:1). Therefore, whatever you’re going through, let His word give you peace and confidence for Jesus cares for you, 1 Peter 5:7
“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you”
Notice the context of Matthew 24:35. It is at the end of the age when all kinds of chaos are happening in the earth. The one constant in all the shaking is the Word. I remember Neville Johnson teaching back in the early 2000’s that we would begin to see a harvest of all the seed sown in the last 6000 years both righteous and evil. Everything would be revealed. Those who didn’t have spiritual insight thought I was just talking about politics and following internet conspiracies. Nothing could have been further from the truth. Everything will be revealed and shaken in the coming days. It may get darker before it gets brighter.
Have you ever noticed that the darker it gets, the brighter the light shines? In fact, the darker the room, it doesn’t matter how tiny the light, everything is eventually revealed. So is say to the remnant, the more you love one another, the more your light will shine. There is a definite connection between loving in the natural realm and shining in the spiritual realm. That’s why the Apostle John said that God was both light and love. It’s also why Jesus said to “love one another” and “let your light shine before men”. I want to include a word from Pastor Wanda Alger that Cheryl shared with me. I hope it will encourage you as well.
“Jesus told His disciples that they would experience persecution for speaking truth. In following His directives to bring His message to the masses, He told them they would encounter hardship, pushback, and even some suffering. Even so, He said…
“So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.“ (Matthew 10:26-29 ESV)
This is a reminder that we live and serve from an unseen Kingdom that will outlive and outlast our current reality. We may get get hit, beat up, pushed around, and misunderstood, but will still come out victorious if we stay faithful and keep going. Even though our spiritual adversary has been trying to silence us, discourage us, and even kill us, remember that we live in temporary bodies that do not determine our eternal significance or value. That which lasts comes from the heart. That which is truly powerful comes from the message we carry within. So, regardless of the disappointments, attacks, and setbacks, guard your heart, keep speaking the truth, and determine to outlast your enemies. The rewards are sure to come.”