"The Promise Beyond the Pain"

Life isn't always easy--and Jesus never said it would be. In fact, He told us to expect trials. But in the middle of every storm, every heartbreak, and every challenge, He left us with a promise: peace. In John 16:33, Jesus speaks directly to the struggle, reminding us that while trouble is guaranteed, so is His victory. "Take heart," He says--not because the world is perfect, but because He has overcome it.

This isn't just comfort; it's a call to courage. A reminder that we can face each day with boldness, not in our own strength, but in the strength of the One who already conquered the cross. If you're walking through a season of uncertainty or simply need a reminder of God's faithfulness, this verse is your anchor.

"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 NIV

My Testimony

There was season in my life where I was suffering mentally, emotionally, and spiritually; the pain was so unbearable. During that time, I was in a relationship that caused me to go through a mental breakdown, I was struggling financially, I had 2 boys who was expecting me to be strong and protect them, and I had no idea who God was for real. But in the midst of it, I prayed and prayed and prayed--asking God if He could help me, hoping that if He truly existed that He would hear my cry.

I tried everything to stay sane during my circumstances, but the more I tried the worst it became. I was the kind of person who felt like I had to have control of the things that took place in my life and when I didn't have control, I would become anxious, irritable, and would overthink.

And as an overthinker, it is dangerous to be consumed with your thoughts. That's the enemy's playground. It gives him the opportunity to whisper false things into your ear, and subconsciously, you will begin to believe those things--especially if you have no understanding of how to decipher God's voice, your voice, and the enemy's voice in your head. And that was a big struggle for me. I was so consumed with my thoughts and couldn't tell who was speaking to me, that I considered just ending my life-- the enemy consistently reminded me of the times I was told I wasn't going to be good for nothing but for sex; he reminded me of the time I was told that my children would only be bastards, he reminded me of the time I was told that I was too basic and boring; and I started to come into agreement because I looked at my life during that time and it showed those things.

But God! He heard my cry. He saw my heart. He knew my pain. And when I began to know Him, I came across 1 John 4:16 first, which states, "And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them." Which shifted something within me, it reminded me that, even though people have brought me so much pain and how unloved I felt, God's love for me outweighed the earthly love I thought I wanted. And then I came across John 16:33, that reminded me that, I am not exempt from hardships, pain, and heartbreak--that comes with being in this fallen world, however, I am not alone. He tells me to face life head on, with love, courage, and peace. I used to always pray and ask God for peace, before, I thought it was more about me wanting peace from people, but as I continue my walk with God--it's about having peace spiritually. Meaning, no matter what happens or what people say and do, I will always have peace knowing that I serve a God who upholds me in his righteous right hand.

Application

So today, I encourage you to take this verse and use it as your daily motivation to face the world, even in the midst of your storms. Allow it to strengthen your faith. Jesus offers a deep, unshakable spiritual peace that is only found in Him, a calm peace that comes from trusting that He is in control, even when life feels out of control. He has already won--through his death and resurrection, so he is calling us to "Take Heart" meaning to stand strong, not in our own strength, but His, because He is victorious.

Hope this motivates you! :)

Great Starting Place to Learn About Jesus ❤️