Let’s face it – 2020 has been a strange year.
But God was not surprised by all the events that have happened.

Would you join me in a four-week countdown to Thanksgiving?
When we stop for a moment, we realize we have much to be thankful for.

[Jesus speaking]
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.

(John 16:33, English Standard Version, bracketed text mine)

I am thankful for trials, because they remind me of my dependence on God.

I certainly don’t go looking for difficulties in life; they show up on their own. Notice that Jesus didn’t say “if” you have trials and tribulations. Instead, Jesus said that we *will* have tribulations – they are inevitable.

And yet, I often find myself surprised and annoyed when hard times show up in my life and in the lives of others. How quickly I forget the reality of living in a broken world, and want everything to go well for my comfort and convenience. I want to control the world around me.

Does this sound familiar to you? Do you ever struggle with the same thoughts and illusion (or delusion) of being able to control your life and everyone and everything that intersects with your life?

The battle is real.

And so is the victor.

Jesus did not promise to make our lives smooth and carefree. But He did promise that He has overcome and conquered the broken world.

Our example, our hope, our hero is Jesus. Only He is able to redeem the brokenness of this world, including our hurts and scars, and heal us.

Our peace is found in Jesus; He alone is enough.

Here is another paraphrase of today’s text that may encourage your soul:

“So you believe in me now?” replied Jesus. “The time is coming, indeed, it has already come, when you will be scattered, every one of you going home and leaving me alone. Yet I am not really alone for the Father is with me. I have told you all this so that you may find your peace in me. You will find trouble in the world—but, never lose heart, I have conquered the world!”

(John 16:33, J.B. Phillips New Testament in Modern English)

Jesus, thank You for these reminders that every single day has trouble and sorrow and hurt, and leaves wounds and scars that we may or may not immediately recognize.

Thank You for being the great healer of our lives – in our body, in our emotions, in our relationships, in our mind, in our heart, in our soul, in our union with You.

Thank You for conquering and overcoming this broken world we live in. And thank You for coming to earth and showing us by example how to live.

You alone are enough – Thank You, Jesus.

Amen.

Walking in the reality that Jesus is enough,
~kevin