John 16:33

Verse of the Day Devotion: John 16:33 

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation but take courage; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33 

Our country has been thrown into turmoil.  A man by the name of George Floyd died because a police officer suffocated him as He held him down on the ground.  The officer, as well as the other policemen involved with the death of George have been arrested, with the officer who actually pushed his knee into his throat was charged with 3rd degree murder.  This is such a sad moment in our history.  Yes, it was absolutely outrageous what happened to this man.  Was he engaged in an illegal activity?  Maybe, but this does not excuse the outcome of the police officer’s actions.  This has brought about major protests that have moved into extremely violent actions.  Many major cities finding retail establishments being destroyed and robbed of everything found within.  There are cars being destroyed by setting the inside on fire and churches are being set on fire in the same way.

It seems like every time we turn around, there are people who are attacking for almost any reason.  This happens to individuals and groups.  It is getting to the point where if we do not totally agree with someone, we stand the risk of paying the price as they take out their anger on us, just as we see people destroying property and attacking those who stand between them and what they desire.  What a sad season we find ourselves in.

 So, in these times, we need to find peace in our lives.  In John 16, we see Jesus speaking with His disciples about His departure.  “I came forth from the Father and have come into the world; I am leaving the world again and going to the Father.” John 16:28.  He again tells them that He is leaving to go back to the Father.  They now have a greater understanding than before.  “His disciples *said, “Lo, now You are speaking plainly and are not using a figure of speech. Now we know that You know all things and have no need for anyone to question You; by this we believe that You came from God.” John 16:29-30.  Jesus answers with, “Do you now believe?” John 16:31.  The idea here is, ‘ Do you finally understand and thereby believe? He then states, “Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.” John 16:32.  Their lives will be changed in ways they cannot imagine.  They will no longer be with Jesus here on earth, but they will be scattered.  He will be alone when they scatter to their own places, however not entirely, for the Father will be with Him. 

And then He comforts them with these words, which is our focus verse.  “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.  These are powerful words spoken to them, letting them know that difficult times were coming; they would suffer trials and tribulations that go beyond anything they have experienced up to this point.  The world will be against them because of Him, but He tells them He has overcome the world.  And because of this, they  can have peace.

And these words are also spoken to us.  The world hates us and the closer we come to the end it will hate us even more.  And we must always remember this, so we are not surprised when it comes, and also to remember we are also not alone.  He is always with us.  We must stand strong against the world and what it throws at us.  And because He has warned us, we can have peace because, in todays vernacular, we are on the winning team.  So, be at peace, because if we experience incredibly difficult times as the end draws near, always focus on what He has promised us.  “But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him” 1 Corinthians 2:9.  A beautiful unending future that far outweigh anything we ever experienced here.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.

Romans 12:12

Verse of the Day Devotion: Romans 12:12  

“Rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer,” – Romans 12:12  

One thing we can honestly say is that these are difficult times.  Look at everything that is going on today.  We have a pandemic that is causing havoc throughout our world.  People living in fear that they may be infected by the coronavirus and lose their lives.  We have factions of government that are looking to take advantage of this situation to advance their agendas, and some for their own personal advantage.  The economies of many nations are being destroyed because businesses have shut down in order to lessen the impact this virus has on people.

Crime is increasing as well with people getting desperate over the financial troubles they are experiencing, along with many in prisons being released and returning to the crimes they were originally imprisoned for.  Also, many are concerned about what the future holds for them.  Will they have a job?  Will they be able to pay their bills?  Will they lose their homes due to defaulting on their mortgages or rental agreements? 

These are tough questions.  When I see the news and listen to what people are saying, fear is running rampant within many areas of society.   Especially within the lower and midrange income populations.  But we need to remember that God is with us, and He will watch over us.  “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4. And, “For I am the LORD your God, who upholds your right hand, who says to you, do not fear, I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13. Both verses share a wonderful truth.  No matter what we are experiencing, God is with us, helping us and will bring us through.  He will never give us a promise He will not keep. 

We all will go through trials of one sort or another, and this pandemic is just one of many though more difficult than most.  However, our focus verse is perfect in outlining how we need to push through to the other side.  First, we must rejoice in hope.  We must remember that hope is not what we wish for, but what we know will happen (See Hebrews 1:1).  Because we know God will deliver us from any struggle or trial based on the two verses above, as well as many others, we can rejoice in this hope.  He will be with us through it all as He has promised us He would.  All we need do is trust, believe, and wait for His promise of assistance. 

And because we know He is faithful and will be with us, we can persevere through any trial we may encounter.  It may last an hour, day, week or more.  However, we can be assured that God is beside us all the way from start to finish.  “The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”  Deuteronomy 31:8

And lastly, we must be devoted to prayer.  We must be in a constant attitude of prayer, not closing our spirit to speaking to Him, or hearing from Him.  It is important that prayer be the major tool we use when trials come, fervently praying knowing He hears us, loves us, and will answer us.  Spending time in fellowship with Him will do much to ease our anxiety and bring the peace we so desperately need. 

God loves each one of us.  He desires the best for us, knows what is best, and will bring it to pass.  What we need to do is trust Him in everything.  God has promised us a wonderful future, and it cannot be thwarted.  We must rejoice that this promise of a glorious future is sure.  We must persevere through these times knowing we are not alone, that He is with us, and we must keep in prayer, not only asking for help, but for solace and strength as well.  There is no better way to be at peace in any situation than to trust God.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.