Please Fasten Your Seat belts

Jesus said “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.”  John 16:33

“Ladies and gentleman, please fasten your seat belts. We are experiencing some turbulence.” This is an announcement I heard many, many times on my trip home from Asia this past September. It became a joke for my teammates and I. We were basically confined to our seats for 12-13 hours because of turbulence. Instead of complaining about it, I learned to laugh about it.

After arriving home, that same announcement ran through my head several times as I adjusted back to life at home. Even now, 4 months later, I can still hear that announcement. It reminds me of something Jesus said. In John 16:33, we read “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus told us three things in this verse. Let’s take a look.

You will have trouble

First, Jesus told us that we will have trouble. Probably not what you really wanted to hear, right? We live in a fallen world, so the truth is we will have trouble. Instead of asking “Why me? Or why does this have to happen?” let’s ask “What can I learn about God from this situation? How is He using it to mold me to be more like His son, Jesus?”

This is not easy to do. I have questioned many times in my life but especially in the last two years. There has been a lot of “turbulence” in my life. My preference is a smooth flight. But, I would not be who I am today without the turbulence in my life. I came to the point where I accepted I would have trouble in life and not to fight it anymore. I make a choice daily (sometimes hourly) to press hard into God and rest in His strength.

Take Heart 

Secondly, Jesus tells us to take heart. What does that really mean? Take heart is similar to saying have courage. No matter what comes your way, choose courage. Choose to face any difficulty without fear. Keep delighting in God even when the storms are raging. In Jesus, you can take heart!

Jesus has Overcome

Jesus ends this verse with powerful truth. He said, “I have overcome the world!” Did you catch that? Jesus has overcome! He went to the cross and rose again to conquer death. This gives us hope. We also have victory in Jesus. As this truth sinks deep in your heart, you can face anything. Not in your strength but in Jesus’ strength.

Friends, you will have trouble in this world. You are not exempt. But take heart! Jesus has overcome!! Fasten your seat belt and trust that God will take care of you no matter what turbulence you are facing today. Rest in His care and love for you!