Satisfaction Guaranteed

“’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 ‭NIV‬‬

From day to day as we journey the course of life we can become so drained and emptied of our hopes, strength and joy. The way of the world is to tantalize us with things that are not good for our minds, hearts and spirits. The way of the world is to bring us to the brink of satisfaction and contentment and then pull us back; kicking and screaming. Nevertheless, in Christ, we have a guarantee of success. Joy and peace come standard in our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. God does not use smoke and mirrors. The truth of the matter is that in this mean, cold world you will experience pain, delay, disappointment and even fear. But. Take. Heart. This world does not have the final say! Jesus has that.

In fact, Jesus already spoke from the cross this simple truth, “It is finished.” (John 19:30) Having already overcome the world and all of its fallacies, fickleness and fragmentation; Jesus yet speaks to us and says essentially, I’ve got you. In His Olivia Pope voice, Jesus says: “It’s handled!” Jesus overcame and therefore you and I are overcomers. Today, see yourself as overcoming the things, people and situations that seek to bind and dismay you. Don’t be afraid, for the gift of God for your life and heart is joy and peace. It may seem a little uncertain now, but remember “with God, nothing shall be impossible.” (Luke 1:37) Know with certainty that the One who is within you is greater, wiser, lovelier, and gooder (yes, gooder) than the one that is in the world. (See 1 John 4:4) Your satisfaction is guaranteed in Christ. Just trust God.

“Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.” James‬ ‭1:2-4‬ ‭MSG‬‬