Jesus Has Overcome the World > 목회자칼럼

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When Jesus walked the earth he was not a bouncy, positive-thinker. 

He was “a man of sorrows” (Isaiah 53:3). And he promised his followers, 

“In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33). Life is hard. 

The days of darkness will be many. And you know what? That’s hopeful. 

When we find ourselves experiencing “weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, 

and calamities” (2 Corinthians 12:10), something strange isn’t happening to us 

(1 Peter 4:12). 

It is what we must expect living in a creation subjected to futility (Romans 8:20).

But it was subjected to futility in hope “that the creation itself will be set free from 

its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God” 

(Romans 8:21). 

And yes there is deep groaning as we wait for the completion of our redemption 

(Romans 8:22–23). But it is a hope-infused groaning, full of anticipation 

for what is coming.

Remember What He Said. It’s this Spirit-empowered dynamic in the soul that allows 

us to be both “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing” (2 Corinthians 6:10). 

We expect sorrow from the world and redemption from our Savior, who will work even 

our sorrows for ultimate good (Romans 8:28). So in your days of darkness, 

Jesus understands (Hebrews 4:15) and wants you to take heart: I have said these 

things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. 

But take heart; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)