We all longed for 2020 to end so that we could start the year 2021. Ww had this feeling that since it is a new year, it will be different than the other year. But this is not so.
Europe and the USA have recorded the most number of daily cases compared to that of some months ago. We all heard the horrifying plane crash in Indonesia. We saw what happened in the Capitol in Washington DC. We are following the news of the death of a flight attendant right at the start of the year. There are many more depressing news that could be mentioned. The point is that the statement of Jesus is true, “in this world you will always have troubles.”
The good thing is that Jesus’ statement did not end with his mention of troubles. Jesus followed it up with a statement of hope. He said, “But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
What are some things that we could learn from the statement of Jesus?
First, we need to have more faith in Jesus Christ. This means that we have surrender all aspects of our lives, and not just some, to the Lord.
Imagine the situation of the early Christiana during New Testament times — they were persecuted, beaten, and some put to death. But they persevered because they knew that they were serving a risen Lord, and they believed that they could bring about change in their surroundings. And they did!
The story of the disciples, and the early Christians should inspire us to have more faith in Jesus Christ. If they could have what they have done, then we could also do it by the grace of God.
Second, if we have faith in Jesus, we can say to any situation — Jesus had already overcome you. We need to develop this perspective in our daily lives.
We could imagine that the disciples would look back to the encouraging words of Jesus when they encountered a difficult situation. It gave them hope and inspiration to go on. They eventually wrote it down, and we have the New Testament to go back to when we encounter tough situations.
This is why reading the Bible daily will result to a life inspired by God.
May God bless us all!
Sincerely,
Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Director, Office of Communications
Central Philippine University