He Has Overcome the World.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NIV).

This is one of my absolute favorite scripture verses!  I have a lot of "favorites" but this one especially stands out.  I cling to this verse on many days! 

Life can be so hard, sometimes.  The world can be a scary, sad, difficult place! I find myself going through weeks and weeks feeling so burdened, overwhelmed, physically and emotionally spent. 

And then I hear a news story about a young New York police officer who buys a barefoot homeless man with blisters on his feet a pair of $99 all-weather "hiking" boots and thermal socks. That story just made me feel at the same time sad and grateful.  Sad that a poor soul would be living on the streets, not able to afford a pair of shoes.  Sad that it's a "big deal" that one person reached out to another in such a basic and yet profound way.  Grateful . . .  well . . . I don't have blisters on my feet . . . and I have quite a few pairs of shoes.

I can't believe this year is almost over and I haven't done very well living each day as if it were Christmas! Of course, life is just downright hard and can really throw you for a loop! It's easy to be distracted from our goals, easy to lose our focus, all too easy to forget all about the true meaning of Christmas.  Then I see a see a story on the news . . .

I really am going to try to spend the remainder of the year being kinder, gentler, more thoughtful, more purposeful; less rushed, less put-upon, less burdened.  And to remember that I am a child of God's design, planning and for His purpose. It won't be easy. But I am going to try. After all, God came to earth in the form of a tiny baby who grew up to sacrifice everything for me.

"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere" (James 3:16 NIV).


Blessings on your journey,
Mary