It never ceases to amaze me how shocked I am to find life is full of troubles. Scripture promises that in this world we will have many troubles. So why do I think my life should be any different?
The test results come back differently than hoped, the promotion never comes, the family trauma continues to infect, and we feel robbed of what we are owed.
Gracefully, in this same passage where Jesus informs us of troubles He also reminds us to take heart, because He has overcome the world.
But what does that really mean? How can we put flesh and bone application on these profound words?
We all know trouble. Trouble in our relationships, trouble in our jobs, trouble in our finances.
What do we do when faced with trouble?
Some of us go head first, charging into whatever problems we face. Or we allow fear to paralyze us, afraid to make the wrong move for fear that things might turn out worse. Sometimes we allow bitterness to take hold of our hearts. We see no way ahead.
And yet we are told to take heart, Christ has overcome our troubles.
I’m studying the book of Ephesians right now. Paul wrote this rich epistle to a people who were immersed in the unseen realm. Ephesus was full of gods, sorcery, spiritual forces. And in the midst of this beautiful book, Paul takes the time to remind his readers that there is One who is preeminent above all.
“And he put all things under his feet . . .” ~Ephesians 1:22a
The first He in this verse is God, the second is Christ. Paul is reminding the Ephesians that there is nothing in heaven or below that is above Christ. God has put all things under His feet.
This is the same as Jesus telling his disciples, “Take heart! I have overcome the world!” Both of these passages cry out the truth that He is supreme over all.
What is He over?
The relationship that breaks your heart day after day.
The debt that mounts faster than the ants gathered around the crumbs in your kitchen.
The doubt that you will ever fully realize the dreams you have within your heart.
The lies that whisper to your spirit day after day, “You’re not enough.”
The list goes on and on. Troubles assail us at every turn. It’s par for the course living in this broken world. And yet, we can take heart. Christ has put all things under his feet.
This truth worked through my own heart the other morning as it had been particularly challenging.
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