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)
Every month of 2020, we introduce a new verse and look at a different aspect of what it means to put on Love Over All. We love everything about Love Over All (read more about it here) and can’t wait to share these amazing verses and ways to live them out with you!
October’s theme is Love Overcomes.
“In this world you will have trouble,” Jesus said.
And all the sisters and saints said amen. The reality of the world’s brokenness has been evident since the world began. It was true when Jesus walked the dusty earth with His disciples, and it’s true as true can be in 2020.
But Jesus didn’t stop there. Trouble is our reality, but so is victory. “Take heart!” Jesus said. “I have overcome the world.”
When Jesus died on the cross, He proclaimed, “It is finished.” His death and resurrection laid death in its grave. Because of His love, grace, and our adoption as His children, we are given the ultimate gift of eternal life with Him forever. His triumph is our victory too. These truths are fundamental and foundational to our faith, but often, we find ourselves missing out on the victory in the struggle and mundaneness of our ordinary days.
Daily circumstances lead us to wonder things like, How do live with exceptional joy when we face such difficult circumstances? How do we practically live out God’s love and share it with others when our hearts are breaking, our country is shaking, and when we’ve lost jobs or health or hope? How do we look beyond today to live with a perspective of eternity and take heart right where we are?
We look to Jesus. We keep our eyes locked on Him. We remember what He has already done and what He will yet do!
Putting on love over all means remembering that Jesus has not only overcome death but He also daily fights our battles with us. In the middle of the hurt, He invites us to take heart, come near to Him, and hold tight to His promises. He invites us to be messengers of His love and victory just by showing up and loving others.
In Courage,
In the midst of all the turmoil that is 2020 I am helping Relay for Life (caner) raise funds & awareness, doing my part to help the less fortunate by donating money, snacks & now blankets to Loaves & Fishes. Also showing my love to co-worker by cooking food for her & dad who is battling cancer. Love covers a multitude of sins. By doing the little things I do each day I’m trying my best to shine God’s light love down here in this sin darkened world.
Blessings 🙂
What a tremendous blessing you are, Beth! Keep shining God’s love. Your light is inspiring!
This is so encouraging. Thank you. With all the uncertainty, we need assurances that God is still in control. You spoke to this.
We’re so glad it was timely and encouraging to you, Irene.
I am trying to overcome fatigue and weariness to love and care for my precious mama who has dementia. I am her full time caregiver. We recently moved near family to help in her care but that is quite the adjustment for us all. And at the same time I am trying to overcome fear and uncertainty from a very strained and stressed marriage. Unfortunately divorce has entered our conversations. For now we are giving each other much needed space living apart. I am trying to hold out hope that the Wonderful Counselor will heal, reconcile, and restore our marriage. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and LEAN NOT ON MY OWN UNDERSTANDING, but in all my ways acknowledge him and he will make my pants straight”. This is the promise I doing to.
Oh, Melissa. That is so much. I’m praying for you now, sister. May God give you renewed strength and fresh joy as you care for your mom and may He answer your prayers to bring miraculous healing to your marriage.