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.

Jesus told his disciples that they would be going through rough times. They would be tried and persecuted. Following him would cost them their lives. He also promised them a Comforter, the Holy Spirit, who would guide and teach them. The Spirit would take them through the persecution, and their amazing peace would draw many to Christ.

At any point in time, somewhere throughout the world, someone is experiencing the same severe treatment and facing the same death as the disciples. But the great majority of us Christians will face nothing more than personal rejection by friends and family for our faith. Yet we struggle with having real peace.

We're burdened by judgemental behavior; we give it and receive it. We're weighted down by the cares of making a living, losing a loved one or fighting an illness. For many the only persecution they experience comes from within the church. Doctrinal challenges from all sides keep us from enjoying the peace of Christ.

While we're not likely to be nailed to a cross or tossed to the lions, we are assured the same peace that was offered to Peter, James and John. The same Spirit walks with us that accompanied them in the Promised Land. Jesus said in Matthew 6, "Each day has enough trouble of its own."

How did Jesus overcome the world? By showing us that his Father --- our Father --- cares for us deeply, has given us everything beautiful and wants us to give him the glory --- and let it show. Jesus overcame the world by showing that life does not end with death. That life is, just as God said that his name was I AM. And Jesus gave a little demonstration to prove it, by hanging around for a while following his own "death."

For this we can take heart. We have a peace that passes all understanding. And the world is watching us.