Courage for the Storm

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

— John 16:33

Checking the weather forecast is something that most people do so that they can be prepared for the conditions. Whether it requires an umbrella or a jacket, knowing what's ahead allows you to be prepared.
Jesus was letting his disciples know what was coming so they would not be surprised or unprepared. The events that were going to take place could shake the foundations of their faith. But Jesus tells them what is coming but that in Him they have peace. With that peace they have courage to face the coming trials. They would be facing danger for the first time without Jesus being physically present with them. They would also not be together but scattered.

Just as the disciples faced tribulation, we are promised to have it in this world. We have the vantage point of history knowing that Jesus rose from the dead and overcame death and the grave. Knowing this, we must also have courage for the storms of life because He is greater than any of our situations. The other side of the storm is calm--we need but to get through it.