Pastor John Granchie.

There seems to be a great deal of trouble in this world, and it makes us wonder what the heck is going on. Jesus spoke these words in the Gospel of John 16:33, “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.” When we as Christians have fear and doubt about the current affairs of this world, great comfort can be found in those words.

Amid the storms of life in a dark and evil world, inner peace is only possible through a relationship with Jesus Christ. We as Christians need to remember that Christ’s victory over the world does not physically remove us from the battle of life. The more we become like Christ, the more we will face the same hatred Jesus did: “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also” (John 15:18-20).

We Can Overcome this world because we belong to God and know one day we will be with Him forever. We are reminded of this in 1 John 4:4, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world”.

As we wait patiently for the return of the Lord, we must stay engaged and continue to make Disciples for His Kingdom. I hope and pray the start to this fall season has been good for you and your family. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord is still in control. We need not worry, The Lord Reigns Forever.

In Christ’s Love.

John Granchie is the pastor of Peace United Church of Christ in Gladbrook.