JESUS didn’t soften His message when teaching the motley crew HE had recruited down at the docks. To pierce their self-absorbed grumbling about which of them would rank higher in their LEADER’s cabinet, JESUS predicted:

“Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.”

The MASTER undoubtedly raised HIS voice to overamp their grousing so they could hear the rest of HIS bad news/good news:

“But take heart. I have overcome the world.”
(John 16:33b)

When troubles come, why are we shocked? The ONE WHO spoke CREATION into existence said bad stuff would hit the fan. But HE added that codicil that gives us a sure fire guarantee. Without hope, we’re hopeless. But with hope grounded in the cross and open tomb, we and our SAVIOR are both overcomers!

Expect difficulties.

Give thanks for them.

HE has not taken away our troubles. Instead, HE has provided a receptacle for them, i.e., HIMSELF.

“Give all your worries and cares to GOD for HE cares about you. (1 Peter 5:7)

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