As we finish up this week's focus on "Taking Heart,"  we return to the words that started the week:  But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33c NLT  I'm still amazed that Jesus spoke these words about twelve to fifteen hours BEFORE He was crucified.  Knowing He was about to be arrested, found "guilty" by a group of self-righteous religious leaders, beaten and abused by the Romans and then crucified, Jesus said, "...I HAVE overcome the world."  Wow!  That's amazing!

I've been through a tough week, maybe you have, too.  But I haven't been arrested, falsely accused, beaten, abused and crucified--at least not yet!  (That's a joke, I hope.)   It's easy to let the trials and sorrows of the day, the week or the month take our minds and hearts off of Jesus, but He's the only one who always cares, and who gives us the ultimate victory in life.  I've been so grateful this week that I KNOW Jesus loves me and that He HAS overcome the world.  Otherwise, I would've thrown in the towel a couple of times already. 

What about you?  Whether you've been having a good week or a bad one, have You been living with the knowledge that Jesus HAS overcome the world?  Have you been living in the power of the same Holy Spirit who Jesus told us would comfort and empower us for every situation in life?  I pray you have.  As I sat this afternoon and prayed for every person who has come to New Life and has signed a connection card in the past month, I realized that I know the sorrows of some, the trials of some, but Jesus knows ALL our sorrows and trials and He has already overcome them.  All that's left is for us to trust in that truth, and live in His power.  Then we'll be able to endure every situation that comes along.  I know I'm not strong enough to do that on my own, and I'm so grateful I don't have to because I'm taking heart that Jesus HAS overcome the world!

Let's pray:  Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus to overcome the world!  Fill us with Your Holy Spirit right now that we may live this life in that victory. This we pray in Jesus' name.  Amen.