Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser
Have you ever faced a problem so overwhelming that it seemed impossible to overcome? Maybe it was a crisis at work, a broken relationship, a health scare, or a season of deep discouragement. What if I told you that from the very beginning, God’s plan for humanity was never one of failure or despair, but of victory and dominion? While struggles are unavoidable, they are not unconquerable. So, how do you rise above life’s storms? How do you walk in unshakable victory? This article explores biblical principles that will empower you to face life’s problems with confidence, knowing that in Christ, victory is already yours. Be blessed as you read!
Jesus warned us we would have troubles in this world, and it’s true – we can’t avoid them. Since we all face problems, I want to start by saying that God’s original plan, right from the beginning of creation, was for humanity to live victoriously. We’re meant to rise above challenges and handle difficulties as they come. God gave Adam and Eve dominion over everything He made. The Scriptures show how sin then entered and disrupted that plan, but it never changed God’s overall purpose. He created us to live an overcoming life and equipped us with the ability to do so.
I want to talk about how to live in victory, which means overcoming the difficulties we will face. First, let’s define what it means to overcome. An overcomer is someone who subdues, conquers, prevails, and achieves victory. This definition clearly indicates that overcoming is more than just getting by, yet many Christians seem satisfied with merely getting by. In John chapter 16, Jesus addresses this issue, and I believe many of us are familiar with this verse. However, do we truly take to heart what Jesus said in John 16:33? In this verse, Jesus makes a significant statement saying, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
He says, “In the world, you will have tribulation.” The word “tribulation” refers to afflictions, distress, difficulties, pressures, burdens, and problems. Jesus was preparing us for life in this world when He stated that we will face challenges. However, not many people include this message in their “promise box.” We tend to avoid discussing it, and this has led many to believe that if they give their lives to Jesus, everything will go smoothly. In reality, it is often the opposite. Jesus did not mislead anyone or hide the truth; instead, He addressed it directly, stating that we will encounter difficulties in this world. He, however, also provided guidance on how we, as believers, should respond to these problems, troubles, tribulations, afflictions, distress, pressures, and burdens.
He encourages us to be of good cheer because He has overcome the world. Jesus said to be of good cheer in the face of problems, yet we often see many Christians struggling to do so. Let’s revisit the first part of this verse where Jesus states, “These things I have spoken to you, that in me you might have peace.” What are the things He spoke of? We need to look back to where He began this teaching in John chapter 14, and the first thing He said to us was, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also (John 14:1-3).
" You can find peace by not worrying about what’s to come, because Jesus has got it all covered. "
This is where Jesus began a series of teachings in John 14, 15, and 16. These chapters contain some of his most important messages, delivered just before he was to go to the cross. He was preparing the disciples for what would happen after his departure. He concluded with the words, “These things have I spoken to you, that in me you might have peace. In the world, you will have problems, tribulations, and troubles. But be of good cheer.” He emphasised that we can find peace in Him. The first thing he said was, “Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” He then spoke of his Father’s house, mentioning that there are many mansions, and added, “If it were not so, I would have told you.” This reassures us that while we face difficulties in this world, we can find peace by remembering that he has taken care of our future. We don’t need to worry because he is preparing a place for us, promising that we can be where he is. He encourages us to believe in God and also in him.
I’m sharing the truth with you: your future is secure. Despite what you might hear in newspapers, magazines, or on the radio and TV about the future, you don’t have to worry. For believers like us, the future is bright. I can tell you what it holds: a mansion, streets of gold, and foundations made of precious stones. So, think about your future – the one planned for you by God is truly incredible. You can find peace by not worrying about what’s to come because Jesus has got it all covered. Then He discusses the ministry of the Holy Spirit, starting with John 14, beginning at verse 16: “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever – 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:16-18).
Don’t forget what we’re discussing. Jesus said, “These things have I spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace.” The first topic he covered was our future, reassuring us that we don’t have to worry about it. Then he began to address the present, saying, “I’m not going to leave you comfortless; I’m going to give you another comforter, and he will abide with you forever. Praise God!” He continues to say “the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.” What is he saying? He is saying that if we place our faith and trust in him, we don’t need to worry about the future. He is preparing a place for us and reassuring us that we don’t have to stress about our daily lives because we will not be alone.
In verse 26 of John 14, Jesus continues; But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:26-27). These scriptures show us a Saviour who cares for every part of us – our fears, our future, our guidance, and our peace. Jesus calls us to trust Him fully, to rest in His Spirit, and to live in the assurance that He has already won the victory.
