John 16:33 (NKJV): "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 a time of prayer last week, I kept hearing the words "Be of good cheer", and that's when the Lord also reminded me of the verse above.
Then, I heard further from the Lord, and I released these words to the congregation on Sunday:
"Be of good cheer, for in Me, you shall overcome. This is a time to rise above and not to succumb under."
Looking at John 16:33 now, there is a stark contrast between 'in Me' (i.e. in Christ) and 'in the world' as spoken by Jesus Himself here. Let's look at the 'equation' below:
In Me (i.e. in Christ) = peace;
In the world = tribulation.
The word 'peace' here is 'eirene' in Greek, which basically means 'peace, quietness, rest', whereas the word 'tribulation' here is 'thlipsis' in Greek, which can mean 'pressure, affliction, anguish (severe physical/mental pain), burden, trouble, persecution'.
Matter of factly, the whole world seems to be 'down' and 'gloomy' recently with a spate of terror attacks, tragic accidents, natural calamities, and all in all, no news seems to be good news in the media nowadays (of course, with an exception of a few). And if one looks at the world today, it's just trouble, trouble, trouble everywhere with no reasons to cheer about, or are there?
But that's not what God says to those who are in Him! You may be in the world, but you are not of the world! (John 17:16) In other words, you don't have to succumb under the 'thlipsis' atmosphere of this world, but instead to rise above! That's why Jesus said, "Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." Why? Because you belong to a higher realm! In Matthew 6:10, Jesus said, "Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." See the words on earth here? God's kingdom (i.e. God's realm) on earth! And that's where righteousness, peace and joy can be found! (see Romans 14:17) It means you don't have to wait till you reach heaven to experience righteousness, peace and joy. You can live in this kingdom (realm) right now!
"Bro, I think you are out of touch with reality!"
No, I'm not! In fact, I'm living in the reality of God's realm, one that is higher than the earthly "trouble, trouble, trouble everywhere" realm! And mind you, this realm is real. The Word of God says so! This realm is where I can experience the fullness of joy (see also Psalm 16:11), even in a world full of trouble. And where there's joy (from on high), there will also be strength (to carry on and to look ahead)! The Bible says 'the joy of the Lord is your strength' (Nehemiah 8:10)
So, people of God, no matter what you may be facing in the world at the moment (whether it's a trial in your health, or in your finance, or in any other area of your life), take heart and be of good cheer, for Jesus has overcome the world. The word 'overcome' here is 'nikao' in Greek, from the word 'nike' (pronounced 'nee-kay') which means 'to subdue, to prevail, to overcome, to get the victory, to get success'. 'The world' here simply means 'everything or every challenge that the world throws at you'.
This is also a time to believe for your end-result (end-victory) in any area of your life! Joel 3:18 says it perfectly, 'And it will come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drip with new wine, the hills shall flow with milk, and all the brooks of Judah shall be flooded with water; a fountain shall flow from the house of the Lord and water the Valley of Acacias'.
'New wine' here speaks of 'joy and celebration';
'Milk' here speaks of 'peace and comfort';
'Water' here speaks of 'refreshing and renewal'.
How about 'a fountain shall flow from the house of the Lord and water the Valley of Acacias' here?
Another meaning for 'Acacias' is 'Shittim' in Hebrew, which simply means 'thorns'. This word comes from the verb 'shotet' which means 'to pierce, to scourge, to flog, to beat/punish severely'. Some 2,000 years ago, Jesus Himself has suffered all those 'shotet' for you, so that this fountain of health and healing can now flow right into every part of your life right now - spirit, soul, body. Therefore, beloved of God, there's every reason to rejoice, be at rest and be blessed, for He has overcome for you. Amen!
