John 16:16-33.  In these past few chapters, Jesus has been preparing his disciples – not just for the tribulation they would face at his trial and death, but for the extended period of tribulation, sorrow, weeping and lamenting the Church would face until his glorious second coming.  He warns them not to expect victory always.  But he encourages them with the reality that he has overcome the world.

There will be sickness, pain, sorrow, death, discouragement – all the things associated with Satan’s assumed victory.  But, because Jesus is alive, all these things are temporary.  The permanent victory has already been won by Christ.  In him we can have peace, even amidst the troubles because through him we will have eternal victory.

LORD, give us an eternal perspective when we face the challenges of this world’s tribulation.