“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
Here we are halfway through August already and I’m wondering about the progress of this year, 2025.
So I took a look back at January 1 and read the following words:
I know a lot of people who are discouraged and disheartened – I get it. This world can be overwhelming. More pointedly the behavior of people in this world can leave us discouraged; but Jesus is very specific in what he has achieved on our behalf and what he offers: “Take courage; take heart; I have overcome…”
There is no denying the evidence of poor behavior, 2025 has been rife with it – from the high halls of political power, and its abuse, to the more personal instances we all run into every day.
But Jesus did not say there would be no trouble; fact is, he guaranteed it! What Jesus did promise is that he would be with us in the middle of it. And, along with the gift of presence he offers both courage and the assurance that has already overcome.
The promise of Jesus is a lot like that offered in Psalm 23. “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you God are close beside me” (verse 4).
Not just close, but giving us courage – that’s the definition of encouragement. Courage – or “heart” – is what we need if we are going to do something, and what we are called to do is to live the Good News Story out loud.
“Good News People” don’t hide under a rock while God sorts things out, they join in with God’s plan, God’s program, the Jesus initiatives of light and life.
For the balance of this year…
What the balance of 2025 needs to look like is not only the generation of more light… and the practice of more grace… and the application of more love… and the celebration of more goodness, it needs to see us taking light and grace and love and goodness into the presence of the darkness.
The Good News Story is not optional if we are to bring hate to its knees.
“But I say to you,” Jesus insists, “love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).
– Derek Maul writes and takes photos in Tarboro, NC
“So do not be discouraged,” Jesus says, “I have overcome the world.” And how has – how does – Jesus achieved this? By loving his enemies, by blessing those who cursed him, by doing good to those who hate him, and praying for those who misused him.
Radical goodness. Loud love. Over the top grace. Light that will bring darkness to its knees. Now that is some real courage. – DEREK
2025 has been great! We finally have a better President, again!
And today is a beautiful summer day.
I respect your point of view. However, “David”, for future reference I do not accept anonymous posts.
You have a public forum. Get used to public comments.
If you post anonymously then you are a troll. Get used to rejection