“In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”  (John 16:33)

These words, spoken by Jesus to His disciples on the night before the crucifixion, hold a wealth of comfort and instruction for believers today. Just as the world which the disciples had known was about to be turned upside down, so too, our world can be turned upside down in a moment of time. But notice carefully what the Lord said to His disciples. 

The Condition In Which We Reside

“In the world ye shall have tribulation.” Our condition is Unavoidable–“In the world.” As long as we live in this world, what Jesus is saying will be true. Our condition is Unselective–“Ye shall have.” No follower of Christ is exempt from what He is declaring, all are included. Our condition is Unpleasant–“Tribulation.” This word primarily has to do with a pressing or pressure. That is the condition in which we reside.

The Command Which We Have Received

“Be of good cheer.” This is a Personal command. It was spoken to each of the followers of the Lord that night and continues to each follower today–“Be of good cheer” It is a Positive command. We are not to hang our heads in despair. We are not to be taken with an attitude of doubt or discouragement. Our Lord has commanded us to cheer up!

The Confidence In Which We Rest

“I have overcome the world.” Here is the answer to the pressures of life–Christ! We can face any problem, endure any trial, sing in the midst of any storm, because we know Christ has assured the victory!

“Cheer up ye saints of God,
There’s nothing to worry about;
Nothing to make you feel afraid,
Nothing to make you doubt;
Remember Jesus never fails,
So why not trust Him and shout,
You’ll be sorry you worried at all tomorrow morning!”

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Craig Burcham, GSBC Faculty

Bro. Burcham served as the Chairman of the Bible Department at Golden State Baptist College before answering the call to pastor the Mountain Vista Baptist Church in Sierra Vista, AZ. Pastor Burcham travels each week to teach the next generation at GSBC. Before coming to GSBC, he served as a missionary with his family in Japan for several years and then pastored in Missouri.