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John 16:33 “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.” 

I think about that verse a lot. That does not come as news to folks at Calvary because you have heard me use it multiple upon multiple times in messages. I don’t mean to be repetitive – at least not for repetition’s sake. No, it is because it is so true.

I will experience problems in the world, yet Jesus also tells us to “take heart!” If I am in Jesus Christ I can have His peace in spite of it all because He has overcome world.

Am I in Jesus Christ?  Do I abide in Him?  Do I remain connected to Him as a branch to a vine (as Jesus discussed -- which is recorded just a couple of chapters before this) so that I can be nourished and fed?  Why is it that sometimes when problems come I seem to run away from Him and have to come running (or crawling) back rather than making it a point to just sink deeper into Him at the first sign of trouble?

Precious Jesus, When any problem comes up, and they do daily, I will call on You, first; run to You, first. I want to have Your word in my heart and my mind to give me comfort and encouragement as soon as I need it.  I want to know Your peace at all times, not just after I have tried to struggle with a problem on my own for some period of time, so if I stray, my Shepherd, draw me home to You. In Your name I pray, Amen.

John 15:4 “Abide in Me, and I will abide in you. A branch cannot bear fruit if it is disconnected from the vine, and neither will you if you are not connected to Me.” (The VOICE Translation)