Take Courage; Jesus Has Overcome the World!
What should be the obvious difference between a Christian and a non-Christ follower? Hope. Without a personal relationship with Jesus, a person is more likely to be fearful of what might happen in the future, anxious during difficulties, and probably questioning his or her life’s purpose. In contrast, when someone has a personal relationship with Jesus, he or she has hope despite circumstances. Christians know that Jesus has overcome the world.
…I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world. – John 16:33 MSG
Unfortunately, as Christians, we can sometimes fall into the same traps as unbelievers when we allow our circumstances to become larger than God. Friend, I’m here to remind you, that if you have a personal relationship with Jesus, you do not have the same dire circumstances as an unbeliever. Here are some reasons Christians should have hope:
God loves you more than you can imagine.
See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God… – 1 John 3:1 ESV
God loves you so much, that He sent His only son to earth to overcome the world; so that, you can have everlasting life in heaven.
There are good plans in store for your future.
God never lays out the entire plan for your life in advance and step by step. Even though you don’t know exactly how your life will play out, you can trust that God has good things in store for you.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. – Jeremiah 29:11 ESV
God does NOT want you to live in fear.
Having emotions is a part of being human, and everyone will experience the emotion of fear at times. God does not fault us for feeling fear; however, He doesn’t want us to live in fear. One of the reasons Jesus has overcome the world is so that you can live a life free from fear and anxiety. If you struggle with living in fear or anxiety, this article can help you: How to Pray When You’re Battling Fear or Anxiety.
You Have a Unique Purpose for Your Life
God uniquely created all people on purpose, and He has a specific and good plan for each individual. To learn more about spiritual gifts, this article, What is the True Purpose for Your Life, can help you.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. -Ephesians 2:10 ESV
Jeremiah 17:7 teaches us that whoever trusts and hopes in the Lord will live a blessed life.