Cast a Smile

John 16:33 (from the Message) reads:

I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world.

Here are some of Jesus’ last intimate words with His disciples. When He said these words it was in the context of His approaching arrest and death. The disciples were instructed how they were going to mourn, and how joy would also soon return to them. That ‘joy’ Jesus spoke of is directly tied to His resurrection.

Simplified a bit more, this verse can be read as this: “Your challenges are also my challenges. Your enemies are my enemies. And your sadness is my sadness. But I have triumphed over it all, therefore, so have you.”

This week, may you stand up…gaze heavenward…cast a smile toward His face…and know that Jesus defeated it all for YOU!