The Troubles of this World

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace…for in the world you will have trouble, but take heart I have overcome the world!” – John 16:33

-       Seeds Encouragement CD

Are you familiar with Seeds Music?  Click here to learn more.  Basically they take bible verses and put them to music.  It is fun and makes Bible verses more memorable.  We have a couple of their CD’s.  One of the CD’s we have is their Encouragement CD.  I have it in the car to play for Jakob when we are out.  I decided to put it on the other day and the words and timing of the promises of Scripture gave me such encouragement and peace!

Well it was last Saturday and I was on my way to urgent care with Jakob.  He had just recovered from a MRSA (staph) infection just a few days earlier, after being out  for ten days.  And then before that he was on anti-hystamines for three weeks for his unexplained allergic reaction.  I was taking Jakob to urgent care because it was his third day with a fever and he woke up that morning with swollen lips again.  I was alone with Jakob because Allan and Trevor were attending a BBQ some friends were hosting so that Allan could present about our ministry.

As I was driving I was reflecting on my situation.  Evaluating it objectively it looks pretty dire and troublesome and hopeless.  An unexplained allergic reaction that required an ER visit; a serious infection, MRSA; and now a fever accompanied by the return of the swelling on his face and lips.  I was physically tired and a little sad that I had to miss yet another event because of these troublesome circumstances.  And then the song came on.

Have I forgotten who my Father is?  Do I not remember the great hope and promises that I have?  Why you down cast oh my soul?  Put your hope in God!  This song repeats itself over and over, so you really get the emphasis of the words.  The previous day I had just picked up the book The Obedience Option by David W. Hegg and was hit by one of his statements.  He said, “History is the record of God’s great rescue effort to bring all creation back to its original purpose: to declare His glory.”  God has rescued me from my sins and the condemnation and punishment of my sins.  He has rescued me for the purpose of displaying His glory.  Now how glorious would it be if everything was smooth sailing with no troubles or worries?  They say a diamond shines more when you place it against the contrast of a black velvet cloth.  These troublesome few weeks was my black cloth and this little song reminded me of the promises that our mine through Christ!

God promises that I will have trouble in this world.  This world is cursed and full of the effects of sin.  But God has rescued me.  He is even a gentle and caring God by putting His Word down so I can read and know His will.  This song that came on reminded me of His will and promises.  I shouldn’t be surprised when troubles come upon me (like back to back unknown unexplained illnesses) but rather I should expect them.  But Sandi, take heart!  Put your trust in God, for He has overcome the world!  Jakob’s illnesses may go unexplained for the rest of his life, and he will continue to get sick.  But, my hope is not in the circumstances and events in this world, no my hope is in the One who has already overcome this world!

The Spirit used this Scripture verse to give me hope!  And that hope caused me to sing and brought me peace!  I turned up the song and sang out loudly over and over as I drove Jakob to urgent care.  He later got diagnosed with pneumonia that day.  But it was such a wonderful day!  I had such joy and peace.  Amongst the last several weeks that day stands out in my memory of being such a great day. Jakob and I had menchies together… we danced at the pharmacy together and sang out together in the car.  I had hope and none of these circumstances and troubles in this life could take away my hope!  Praise be to God!

Through Christ who loved us, we are more than conquerors of the distress and trouble we encounter in this world (Romans 8:37)