“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble and suffering, but take courage—I have conquered the world.”
John 16:33 (NET)
I must be reading too much young adult fantasy because it’s popping up in my dreams, but it has given me a greater understanding of our spiritual battle as Christians.
The other night, my dream was like a scene straight out of my favorite story, “The Lord of the Rings.” Barefoot, I stood on a hill as my blonde hair and white dress flew in the storming winds and the sword in my hand gleamed at the monsters merging around me. I remember I actually had a smile on my face, not scared of the enemy or worried about my skills, strength, or solitude. All I had was the peace that I had everything I needed to take down the enemy. My sword.
Wouldn’t it be great to live a life of faith that boldly? To not be shaken or surprised by trials but to know God’s mighty power and authority fully equip us to take down the enemies of fear, doubt, and insecurity?
At the last supper and the night before the crucifixion, Jesus prophesied His death and the hardships the disciples will face but ended by encouraging them, “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble and suffering, but take courage—I have conquered the world” John 16:33 (NET).
Jesus’s peace is our most powerful weapon against the chaos in this world. A peace that came not from fighting the Roman soldiers but by surrendering to the cross. Since the battle is already won in Christ, we can be confident whenever we face spiritual battles.
Having peace in this crazy world might feel like a fantasy, but because of Jesus’s epic story—His life, death, and resurrection—peaceful hearts and minds is the reality for every believer. We might feel surrounded and alone, but we have the peace that passes understanding that God is always with us and we have everything we need in Him.
Let’s pray:
God, help us use the peace we already have in Christ to remain confident and courageous in the chaos of life. Amen!