In The World, You Will Have Tribulation

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:14

In the world, we will experience tribulation. Since the fall of man, generation upon generations have been experiencing some kind of troubles and tribulation. We can read the history of men to see how humanity has been driven to failure through physical military forces, greed, and selfish ambition. The world is an organized system of geopolitical relationships of policies. We are witnessing how economic policies can change how we do business.

The Merriam Webster dictionary defines tribulation as distress or suffering resulting from oppression or persecution. The Greek word for “kosmos “/world can also mean order and arrangement as to human world systems. Have you wondered about this present world system and who is in control.

How many times have you read or heard about Jesus being tempted after He was baptized with the Holy Spirit? We can read about it in Matthew chapter four verses 1 to 11. Jesus was tested by the devil. Look at verse 8 of Matthew chapter 4 and you will see that the devil shows Jesus all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them. The next verse the devil tells Jesus, “All these things will I give thee, if thou will fall down and worship me,” [Matthew 4:9]. I find this extraordinary. No one would believe that the kingdoms of the world are in the hands of the devil. Yet, we forget the importance of praying for those who are in leadership roles such as kings, presidents, and rulers.

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 1 Timothy 2:1-2

We pray for all men who are in authority, so we can lead a quiet and peaceable life. Now look at what the apostle Paul states.

“Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” Romans 12:17-18

This is not an easy thing to do. This is a different mindset. To live peaceably with all men, yet if a nation is divided, that nation will fall.

“And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand.” Matthew 12:25

Apparently, even the Pharisees knew about the prince of the devils called Beelzebub. The importance of peace around the world is why we have the United Nations. United Nations international government agency whose focus is to keep peace among the nations. The charter came into being in 1945 to keep peace and maintain human rights. As the Secretary – General of the United Nations states it comes down to values. What kind of values do you want? We need to remember that love never fails.

We must follow in the steps of Jesus and be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our mind, and prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God, [see Romans 12:2]. The key is to be transformed from the violence of men into the image of Christ where the love of God reigns within the hearts of men. Love is the key to life. Everything else will pass away.

We must remember that Jesus overcame the world through the cross he has bored for us and this is through the love of God. We must learn the meaning of what love is.

Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

In the world you will have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. Jesus has overcome the violence of the world through love. Let us pray for those in leadership position and have faith, hope, and love.