Take Courage
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John 16:33 NASB
These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.
This is one of my ‘hallmark’ verses. I believe so strongly and completely in the truth of these words that I have them as part of the banner at the top of the page of this site!
A dear friend “gave me” these verses for Christmas one year. Actually she gave me a loaf of delicious bread with this verse printed on a little card attached to the ribbon. The story behind it is quite amazing. The women’s covenant group to which we both belonged had agreed to meet at my house to exchange Christmas gifts several years ago. My friend was running later and later and we began to wonder if she was actually going to come.
She finally arrived to our relief and we began the festivities of the evening. It was always a glorious time to be together to share the love of our Savior and be in the company of our dear sisters in Christ. Christmas is my absolute favorite time of year, so I was quite pleased to be able to offer hospitality this particular year. We opened gifts and talked and laughed. We ate and laughed and opened more gifts.
We each received our loaf of bread and read the Scripture that was attached. My friend told us she was late because she had all the cards in a pile on the table and she was waiting to discern who should receive which passage with their loaf of bread. Each passage was so appropriate for the sister who received it. When I read mine it caught my breath! This passage—John 16:33—is the one she had chosen for me. She told us that actually she had discerned I was to receive a different passage, but she kept feeling drawn to this one; she gave me both!
She shared that she kept thinking to herself that “Mary doesn’t need courage.” She’s already quite courageous. What she didn’t know is that I was living through a deeply troubling and spiritually challenging situation in my life regarding some events at our church. Courage is exactly what I needed—of the divine kind!
Are there situations in your life that are troubling—even overwhelming and fearful? Does merely watching the evening news fiss you with dread? Is your life in turmoil? Is there a problem or a situation that you can’t deal with on your own? Give it to your Savior. He has overcome this world and all its woes. He can carry your burden. He will be your strength and fortitude when you come to the end of your own.
This verse, received from a devoted friend who gave the gift out of obedience to God, is but one example of the many ways God has guided, reassured and uplifted me! This gift gave me an even greater one, that my friend had no way of knowing about: it let me know I was doing what was right even though it was very difficult to do so. God did sustain me through it. Christ carried my burden for a long time and I am sure beyond any doubt that is the only way I have come out the other side a stronger, more faithful and more faith-filled person.
In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; He has overcome the world.
Mary
