Jesus’ words to His disciples in John 16:33 brought both warnings and encouragement. The same words apply to us today. “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus spoke these words before going to the cross. So what did it look like in reality to already declare that He had “overcome” when suffering awaited and would be part of all their journey?
As we look through scripture and the life of Jesus and the disciples we see the importance of the Holy Spirit, the written Word and prayer in helping us not only to go through these times, but to come out victorious.
Jude urges us to “contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s Holy people” (Jude verse 3). Many today need breakthroughs and hope. As the body of Christ, we can no longer be passive or apathetic in our christian walk, the world is getting darker and more evil, people need Jesus. God is calling HIs people into a deeper life of prayer and is imparting a hunger to get to know Him more through the Word and the Spirit. He is inviting us to come into the Upper Room, to WAIT for and upon the Holy Spirit, so we can go out in the anointing and power of the Spirit to do what He asks us to do. Let’s heed the invitation while it remains, for we can do nothing without Him but all things through Him as we remain in Him.