Overcoming in this World

This is a note for anyone who may find that the storms of life are overtaking them. . .that the waves crash, one right on top of another, without any reprieve.  There seems to be "no rest for the weary."  This is for anyone who has ever felt like they could just use ONE DAY with good news. . .one moment in time where there was peace from the ongoing storms of life. 

When everything seems to be so discouraging, remember Jesus said, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."  (John 16:33)

He says "IN HIM" we may have peace.  "Abiding in HIM" (and "He in me") is the way for me to experience peace in my storms.  God's Word tells us that Jesus is the Prince of Peace.  To be a prince, a male must be born to the royal family of that particular country.  He inherits the title Prince, by birth, and the country is what He is the "prince of."  Peace.  Jesus is the Prince of Peace.  He IS peace.  And He is the ONLY ONE Who can speak Peace to our storms.  Wait a minute!  He is the Only One Who can come IN the MIDST of our storms, and set up His kingdom and "reign" down His Peace to our hearts.   

The Prince of Peace, Jesus, tells us that He has overcome The World.  The World of worry, the World of fear, the World of meanness, the World of selfishness, the World of pride, the World of self-righteousness, the World of greed...the World of SIN. 

He also tells us, in Revelation 3:21 "To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne."  Go back and substitute YOUR name where the words "TO HIM" are.  "To Tammi, who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with ME on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on His throne." 

Take heart, dear friends.  In this world, this world filled with sinful, fallen mankind, we will have trouble.  It's just inevitable.  But because HE OVERCAME every single sin that mankind is capable of committing, (and will commit) we too can overcome our storms ~ the storms that are either caused by others' sinful natures, our own sinful mistakes OR they are sent by our Father, Who, motivated by His love for us, sends them in order to purify us.

God allows these storms to strengthen us, and "agitate" us--- like the washing machine.  If it weren't for that agitator, the clothes would just sit in that soapy water, and soak.  They have to be agitated in order for the grime and dirt to be "knocked loose." 

God knows what He is doing.  He knows what He is after when He allows these storms and trials to come, sometimes one right after another. . . but He has promised that they will not overtake us.  

Father, Thank You so much for encouraging my heart in the midst of the Storms of Life.  And when I look at the initials of those three words, I see S.O.L.  That reminds me of the "Standards of Learning" that our children have to take at the end of each school year.  What am I learning in the midst of my storms of life?  Am I making the grade?  Am I becoming more like Your dear Son?  Or is there a lesson that You have to keep bringing me to, because I just do not learn the lesson?  What could it be that I am missing?  Please open my eyes, through the power of Your Holy Spirit.  Thank You for Your patience, Your long suffering, and tender loving care.  And for Your Faithfulness. 

In Jesus' Name...Amen.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.  Isaiah 43:2