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.” (John 16: 33)

You may as well brace yourself because, if you just keep on living, you are going to have adversity. In fact, living without expecting adversity is like taking a roller coaster ride thinking you will never have any ups and downs. It is like going for a swim planning not to get wet. Adversity is a part of life.

Jesus predicted and promised this to His own disciples. He told them: “in this world you shall have tribulation.” In other words, knowing Me does not exempt you from it. Following Me does not excuse you from it. Even obeying Me does not pardon you from it. You shall have tribulation.

But the good news is that even though you shall have tribulation, says Jesus, “Be of good cheer for I have overcome the world.” Don’t miss these two things. First, the world is the source of your tribulation, but I have overcome the world. Then, secondly, I have already overcome the tribulation you shall have. So yes, brace yourself because adversity is coming, but at the same time relax yourself, because even before it comes, I have already overcome it.