September 27, 2023

“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” – John 16:33

Have you ever had a bad day? Or a really bad day? Or maybe a really, really, really bad day? I think every one of us would have to answer that question with a resounding “YES!” When I have talked with friends who are not follows of Christ and they are in the middle of a bad day, I have trouble knowing how to comfort them. There are a lot of things I can say to maybe get them through the day, but how can I really comfort them? You see, they have more bad days coming (we all do), and the only thing they can hope for is that the good days are going to outnumber the bad ones.

But as Christians we have a whole different perspective. We know that we live in a sinful, fallen world. Because of that, we will have some really bad days. But we also know that the One we serve has overcome this world. We know that the place we live right now is not our permanent home. The bad days are temporary, and we look forward to a future where bad days no longer exist. So next time you or a friend of yours comes upon a bad day, remind them, and yourself, that this word of sin has been conquered. This is not all there is. In fact, this word and its bad days are a blink of an eye in light of eternity. …and if you have a friend who does not yet have that perspective, tell them about Jesus!

Almighty Father, thank You for sending Your Son to conquer this world! Keep us always mindful of the fact that the pains of this world only last for a moment and we possess a joy that lasts for all eternity.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon