Unpopular Truth -
We always talk about standing on God's promises when the promise is something that benefits us here on earth and/ or when it makes us FEEL good about ourselves and our lives.
According to dictionary.com a promise is a declaration or assurance that one will do a particular thing or that a particular thing will happen.
So, what about this "PROMISE" from Jesus in John 16:33...? "In the world you will have trouble..." Why don't we stand on this truth?! Why don't we 'declare' this promise for our lives? Why, if we say, "troubles will come but Jesus has overcome," is it perceived as negativity and attracting the 'wrong' thing?
Because it is uncomfortable, scary, and doesn't fit our idea of living a blessed or "our best life" here and now.
But, despite contrary beliefs, desires, and teachings, God has not called us to live our best lives here and now. He has not called us to declare, decree, and prophesy a life that is without trials and appeases our flesh (so many scriptures regarding declaring, decreeing, and prophesying are taken out of context, but that's another topic.) He has not called us to pray and rebuke the trials away.
No... He has called us to LOSE our lives so we can find them in Him. He has called us to take heart because he has overcome the world. He has even called us to rejoice in all things including our sufferings and to count it a joy when we fall into various trials.
I know this goes against a lot of what we are taught in the church today, but we can't refute biblical truth when it is rightly divided. Will you stand, rejoicing in this promise from Jesus, even when it makes no sense? Because like it or not, troubles are coming... but I am thankful that He has overcome them for me. Even if I don't see it on this side of heaven. Are you?