Verse:
“And everything I’ve taught you is so that the peace which is in me will be in you and will give you great confidence as you rest in me. For in this unbelieving world you will experience trouble and sorrows, but you must be courageous, for I have conquered the world!”
— John 16:33 (TPT)
Devotional Thought:
Trouble comes to all of us. Jesus made that clear—not as a warning, but as a preparation. He didn’t say “you might experience hardship.” He said “you will.” He knew the heartbreak of this world firsthand: the sting of betrayal, the agony of grief, the weight of injustice. And yet, in the same breath that He acknowledged suffering, He gave us a promise: “Take heart.”
In other words—don’t give up.
We often imagine courage as bold acts or dramatic declarations, but sometimes courage is simply standing your ground when everything in you wants to run. Sometimes it’s taking the next step through the fog of uncertainty. And sometimes it’s trusting God not because you see the outcome, but because you believe He’s already in it.
Jesus doesn’t just call us to courage—He empowers it with His peace. The peace of Christ isn’t a passive feeling. It’s an active presence. It strengthens your spine and stills your spirit. It’s what anchors you when the storm rages. He says, “Rest in Me.” Why? Because He has conquered the world. The battle you’re fighting? He already won it. The pain you’re carrying? He already bore it. The fear you’re facing? He’s already overcome it.
This promise echoes something spoken long before Jesus’ time, to a young leader named Joshua:
“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
— Joshua 1:9 (NLT)
Joshua stood on the edge of the Jordan River, preparing to lead people into the unknown—a land filled with giants, fortified cities, and battles to come. Fear was real. But so was God’s promise. God didn’t ask Joshua to be fearless—He asked him to be faithful. Strength and courage were not requirements of leadership—they were results of God’s presence.
You might be standing at your own edge today—maybe not of a river, but of something uncertain. Maybe it’s a medical diagnosis, a strained relationship, a season of grief, or a new beginning wrapped in fear. Whatever it is, hear this:
You do not have to walk through it alone.
You do not have to feel brave to be brave.
And you do not have to conquer the world—because Jesus already has.
So take heart. Courage isn’t about having control. It’s about trusting the One who does.
Reflection Questions:
- What “trouble or sorrow” are you currently walking through that has shaken your confidence?
- How does knowing Jesus has already conquered the world change your mindset?
- In what areas do you need to replace fear with trust right now?
- What would it look like for you to “rest in Him” today?
Prayer:
Jesus, You never promised life would be easy, but You promised we wouldn’t face it alone. Help me to hold onto that truth when things feel overwhelming. Replace my panic with Your peace. Fill me with courage—not drawn from myself, but from Your victory. When I’m afraid, remind me that You’ve gone before me, and when I’m weary, lead me to rest in Your presence. Like Joshua, I want to walk forward even when I don’t feel strong—trusting that You are with me every step of the way. Amen.
Related Verses for Deeper Study:
Joshua 1:9 (NLT)
“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Romans 8:37 (NIV)
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
Psalm 27:14 (NIV)
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”