Three Certainties from John 16:33

Don (in the middle on the couch) is the former pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Grinnell, IA. Someone once asked him what his favorite verse was, and his response was John 16:33. In this verse Jesus states, that “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.’” In this passage, Jesus knew that the cross was just ahead of Him. He knew that the phrase “in the world” is just as important to us today as it was in the day of the New Testament. God’s will for us is that we remain in the world, while at the same time being kept from the evil one and his followers. Don shared with us three certainties from John 16:33, of what it means to be in the world.

First certainty…you will have tribulation (it’s inevitable). Don encouraged us to spend some time praying throughout our day. He does so on his walks. On June 14, 2020 Don found out that his wife of 46 years was diagnosed with cancer. Treatment was not an option…it’d already spread throughout her entire body. Five days later she passed away. Don had gone from the top of the world, to having his world shaken. He wasn’t exempt from trials and tribulations. But Don understood the good news, the good certainty that Jesus promises.

Second certainty…you will have peace (it’s available). Peace with God and others is precious. Be in the word. Be in prayer. Be in a relationship with the Lord. You’ll discover a comfort like no other. Stay focused on Him and His peace. He is the Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 (ESV) For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 26:3 (ESV) You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Romans 5:1 (ESV) Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 4:7 (ESV) And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

And Lastly…it is certain that joy is possible (this is wonderful). Take heart / be of good cheer…He’s overcome the world.
Acts 5:40-42 (ESV) 40 His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.
Rejoice for being counted worthy to suffer for His Name. God gives us what we need for any situation we face.
2 Peter 1:3 (ESV) His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,
Let no one rob you of your joy.
John 16:22 (ESV) So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.
James 1:2 (ESV) Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
Deuteronomy 29:29 (ESV) “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV) For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Remember, we have it made in Him. Praise God for His Sovereignty.
Additional Reading…Take some time to read all of Romans 8, and then compare that chapter to John 16:33. See any similarities?