By Carol Round – “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” – John 16:33 (NIV).
Trouble fills our world. We can’t escape it. Right now, the aftermath of a devastating hurricane that hit the southeastern part of the United States dominates the news. Amid the hurricane’s destruction, the current presidential election season leaves us reeling with concern about the outcome. Adding to the chaos, we hear constant updates of wars around the world.
Destruction. Negativity. Wars. Besides avoiding social media and the 24/7 news cycle, how can we find peace in a broken world?
John 16:33 is a reminder of where we find peace in a trouble-filled world. Jesus is the answer. Another reminder from Jesus is John 14:27. “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid”(NIV).
Finding Peace in a Troubled World
In addition to spending time in the Word each morning, I connect with my Heavenly Father throughout the day. When thoughts threaten to drown me in negativity, I reach out to God. Listening to His still, small voice and speaking to Him keeps me grounded in peace.
Spreading the Good News on social media is part of my ministry. To avoid the negativity, I unfollow those whose posts lead to doubt and fear. Those individuals, if they choose, can still see my posts.
Recently, I have been left heartsick by the destructive path of Hurricane Helene, as depicted in the stories and photos in the media. Many have lost everything in the wake of this natural disaster, including the lives of loved ones. This morning, I took time to read several positive stories in the news feed as I scrolled through them in the aftermath.
Seeking the Positive During the Heartbreak
I’ve read several heartwarming stories posted by those affected by this monster storm. One elderly farmer who has spent most of his life raising crops lost everything. Instead of complaining, he witnessed to others about the goodness of Jesus. What a testimony!
An older woman who lost everything in the storm moved in with her son and his family. To help out, the grandmother took her young grandson with her to shop for groceries. Her cart was overflowing. After overhearing the grandmother’s story about the loss of her home and everything else, she owned, the grocery checker began to share her losses. She, too, was homeless and staying with relatives.
While the grandmother was loading the bagged groceries into her cart, the woman in line behind her swiped her credit card to pay for the more than $400 worth of items purchased by the grandmother. The Good Samaritan then revealed she too had lost everything in the flood.
Finding Hope in Trouble
Recently, I finished reading a small book, “Best Day Ever,” written by teenager Nathan Glad. Born with a rare disease called Osteogenesis Imperfecta or Brittle Bones, Nathan narrates the story. His bones are weak, the consistency of a pretzel. Born with 30 broken bones, he wasn’t expected to live. While he doesn’t know how long he’ll live, he’s already beaten the odds and refuses to let the disease define him.
Nathan is in constant pain and continues to experience more broken bones. He can’t walk and most of his life is spent in a wheelchair. But Nathan chooses gratitude and happiness. While he can’t control his body, Nathan chooses his attitude.
Nathan’s positive attitude attracts people when he’s out in public. “Everywhere I go, people want to meet me,” he writes. He considers his positive attitude his superpower. And he doesn’t waste it. He uses it to raise money for the needy by selling hotdogs.
Our Troubles Can Benefit Others
Jesus has overcome the world. With His peace residing in us, we can overcome any obstacle in our path. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a job loss, a medical diagnosis, or other troubles, Jesus can use our pain to help us grow in our spiritual journey and to help others in the process.
By sharing our stories of overcoming tribulation, we share the hope and love found in a relationship with God through our Savior. Our testimony can become someone’s best day ever.
How so? Our stories are evidence of a living God who loves us so much that He sacrificed His only begotten son so that we might have everlasting life.
I always love hearing from my readers. Please e-mail me at [email protected] with your thoughts or visit my blog for more inspiration at www.carolaround.com. If you need a speaker or workshop leader, contact me at the above e-mail address or through my website. I’d be delighted to hear from you.
Photo by Wes Warren on Unsplash
