God's Glory Church

“I told you this so that you may have peace in Me.” —John 16:33

A photo of my five-year-old daughter, who triumphantly won the fun competitive game “Gutters and Stairs,” appeared on the Facebook social network. We also played this board game a lot when we were kids. The game, which was invented in ancient India, helps people learn to count and gives the thrill of climbing the ladder and winning by reaching the 100 mark faster than others. But be careful! If you land at 98, you’ll slide far down the chute, delaying or even preventing victory.

Isn’t that like life? The Lord Jesus lovingly prepared us for the ups and downs in our lives. He warned: “You will suffer in the world, but be of good courage: I have overcome the world!” (John 16:33). We should not be afraid of trials. Why? Because Christ has overcome the world! There is nothing greater than His power. Therefore, we can meet everything that comes our way with the manifestation of “His mighty power” that He has given us (Eph. 1:19).

As in the game “Gutters and Stairs”, life sometimes presents us with stairs that we happily climb up, and sometimes we fall down a slippery mountain. However, we must not play the game of life without hope. We have the power of Jesus to get us through it all.

What challenges do you need help with? How can focusing on Jesus’ power to overcome life’s trials and tribulations encourage you?

Dear Jesus, thank you for reminding me that You have overcome the world! Help me rely on Your strength to handle the ups and downs of life.

Author: Katara Patton