Trouble Is Real, But So Is Peace
Let’s be honest. Life doesn’t always wait for us to catch our breath. One moment you’re doing fine, and the next, everything falls apart: sickness, job loss, anxiety, family drama. You’ve probably asked, “Where is God in all of this?”
I get it. I’ve been there too.
As a faith writer and follower of Christ for over a decade, I’ve studied the words Jesus spoke when He was about to face the cross. And what I found has forever changed how I handle life’s storms.
Now, I want to share that hope with you.
Jesus Warned Us: Trouble Will Come
Even before Jesus was nailed to the cross, He told His disciples something important in John 16:33:
“In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
He didn’t sugarcoat the truth. He didn’t pretend everything would be easy.
The disciples had already seen rejection and pain. They had been chased out of towns and treated like criminals—all for following Jesus.
Yet, Jesus didn’t avoid the hard conversation. He faced it head-on.
So should we.
Why Jesus Said, “Take Heart”
Then again, Jesus didn’t stop at the warning.
He gave us a reason to hope.
“Take heart,” He said.
That means be brave, be strong, don’t give up. But why?
Because He has already won. He has overcome every struggle we face—grief, fear, depression, loss, and rejection.
And when He said it, He meant it. Not as a wish, but as a truth.
He spoke it before the resurrection. Before the victory. But He already knew the outcome.
So can we.
What Peace in Jesus Looks Like
Peace in Jesus doesn’t mean a life without problems. It means a life where your problems no longer control you.
When my friend lost her job unexpectedly, she could’ve spiraled into fear. Instead, she leaned on Jesus’s words. She prayed, read the Gospel of John, and reminded herself daily, “Jesus has overcome this too.”
That’s not denial. That’s faith in action.
How to Take Heart Every Day
Here are simple ways to “take heart” today:
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Start your day in John 16:33. Say it out loud.
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Pause during stress and ask, “Jesus, remind me of Your peace.”
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Reflect on past victories. Remember how far He’s brought you.
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Stay connected to other believers. Community keeps us anchored.
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Pray with expectation. Not just for escape, but for strength.
You don’t have to wait for everything to get better to have peace.
Storytime: When I Needed to Take Heart
A few years ago, I lost someone close to me. Grief hit like a wave, unexpected and crushing. I remember sitting on the floor, unable to pray. That’s when a friend texted me John 16:33.
At first, I shrugged it off. “How can I take heart right now?”
But slowly, those words did something. They reminded me that Jesus wasn’t shocked by my pain. He had seen it coming—and had already overcome it.
That’s when peace entered my storm.
A Promise That Still Stands
Jesus didn’t speak “take heart” in theory. He spoke it as a promise. A guarantee backed by His death and resurrection.
He knew Friday would be full of pain.
But He also knew Sunday was coming.
Quiz: Are You Taking Heart in Jesus Today?
1. When trouble hits, what’s your first reaction?
A. Worry
B. Pray
C. Withdraw
D. Call a friend
2. Do you believe Jesus has already overcome your situation?
Yes / No / Not Sure
3. How often do you reflect on God’s past faithfulness?
A. Daily
B. Occasionally
C. Rarely
D. Never
👉 Tally your answers and reflect. How can you shift your daily focus toward Jesus’s victory?
Quick Poll: What Keeps You From Taking Heart?
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Fear of the unknown
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Feeling unworthy
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Lack of time for prayer
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Not sure how
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I actually do take heart in Him
⬇️ Vote and see how others are feeling too.
Final Thought: Sunday Is Always Coming
You may be walking through a Friday season full of grief and struggle. But remember this:
Sunday is coming.
Jesus has overcome the world.
He’s overcoming in you.
And He will overcome again.
So take heart. Peace is not only possible. It’s promised.
Would you like a downloadable prayer or daily scripture to help you “take heart”? Let me know in the comments or sign up for the free resource below.
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