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John 16:33 - Three Ways to Follow God Through Difficulties.

John 16:33 (NASB) "These things I have 
spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In 
the world you have tribulation, but take 
courage; I have overcome the world."  

INTRODUCTION

Courage grows from the presence of Christ. 
Jesus summed up all he had told them this night, 
tying together themes from 14:27-29; 16:1-4; and 
16:9-11. With these words he told his disciples to 
take courage. In spite of the inevitable 
struggles they would face, they would not be alone. 
Jesus does not abandon us to our struggles either. 
If we remember that the ultimate victory has 
already been won, we can claim the peace of Christ 
in the most troublesome times. [Life 
Application SB] 

COMMENTARY PEARL

   In Acts 27, Paul set sail for Rome along 
with other prisoners on a journey with many 
difficulties. On one leg of the voyage, Paul warned the 
crew that if they continued to sail, they would 
be caught in a major storm and the results 
would be disastrous. The crew decided to sail 
anyway. 
   To avoid the mistakes the crew made - and 
faithfully follow God instead - here are three things 
to remember when youre facing difficulties: 
   FOLLOW GOD, NOT OTHERS OPINIONS. On 
Pauls journey, the centurion, instead of 
listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of 
the pilot and of the owner of the ship (Acts 
27:11 NIV). Because the expert said it was 
okay, the centurion ignored a warning from God and 
agreed to head back out to sea.  
   If God tells you to do one thing and all 
the experts in the world tell you to do 
something else, listen to what God says. His voice is 
the only one that counts.  
   FOLLOW GOD, NOT THE MAJORITY. On Pauls 
ship, the majority decided that [they] should 
sail on (Acts 27:12 NIV). The harbor where 
Pauls ship had taken refuge was exposed and not a 
good choice for spending the winter, and so the 
majority on board wanted to sail on. But the majority 
is often wrong!  
   Peer pressure often keeps people from 
doing what God wants them to do. Remember that God 
is a majority of one. 
   FOLLOW GOD, NOT YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES. 
When a gentle south wind began to blow, they saw 
their opportunity; so they weighed anchor and 
sailed  Before very long, a wind of hurricane 
force  swept down from the island (Acts 
27:13-14 NIV). Paul warned the others that they were 
heading into a storm, but they sailed anyway.  
   Just because youre given an 
opportunity, it doesnt mean you have to take it. You 
shouldnt accept every job youre offered or date 
everybody who asks you out. Satan can arrange 
circumstances too! You need to ask God for his direction. 
   No matter what difficult circumstances 
you face in life, you can remain faithful by 
listening to what God says, remembering his voice is 
the only one that counts, and following his 
guidance. [Daily Devotional by Rick Warren: 
https://pastorrick.com/devotional/] 

CLOSING THOUGHT

   God has kept no secrets. He has told us 
that, while on this yellow brick road [of life], 
we will experience trouble. Disease will 
afflict bodies. Divorce will break hearts. Death 
will make widows and devastation will destroy 
countries. We should not expect any less. But just 
because the devil shows up and cackles, we needn't 
panic. 
   Our Master speaks of an accomplished deed 
... "It is finished" (John 19:30). The battle is 
over. Be alert. But don't be alarmed ... The 
manuscript has been published. The book has been bound. 
Satan is loosed for a season, but the season is 
oh-so-brief ... Just a few more scenes, just a few more 
turns in the road, and his end will come. [Grace 
For The Moment SB By Max Lucado] 

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

John 16:33: There Is Peace in Jesus Even in 
Tribulation, So Take Courage and Be of Good Cheer. 

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230314-0915.html 

John 16:33 - Genuine Peace is Found in a 
Relationship with Jesus Christ! 

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230225-0853.html 

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/