At times the events in our world today can make things seem hopeless. We despair at the nature of the news we receive each day. Some of us are ready to turn off the steady flow of negative news and commentary covering the coronavirus pandemic, the divisiveness in our society and the anxiety it can create in all of us.

Christ knew about the challenges each of us would have to endure during our time on earth. John 16:33 speaks to us as clearly today as it did nearly 2,000 years ago when Jesus brought a message of calming peace to His disciples. They had worked and lived with Jesus as His close friends and followers for a period of three years. They were saddened and afraid to hear Jesus talk of leaving them. They had great concerns about their future and how they might able to carry on in a world that persecuted the followers of Christ.

Jesus offered peace and hope to His disciples by saying, “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace.” This offer of Christ’s indwelling peace is also available to us every day of our lives. We all need the help and protection it provides as we face concerns and anxiety about the current events in our world.

Jesus not only offered them peace, but He also told them what to expect. “You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” We can rest assured that Jesus will always be with us and that His power and majesty exceeds any of the temporary troubles we may encounter here on earth.

Praise God for sending us His Son Jesus to be with us as we navigate the challenges each new day brings. Jesus has overcome the sorrow, sin and tribulations of this world, and He will bring us His peace and love today and throughout eternity.

Questions to Ask Yourself

1. Am I focused on the troubles and difficulties of the world today instead of placing my trust fully in Jesus and the peace He offers?
2. How can I share the peace that comes through Jesus Christ with others in my family and community who are struggling with the events and challenges in our world?
3. How can I find new levels of peace through a recommitment to reading Scripture each day?

Family Activity
It’s scavenger hunt time! Pick 4-5 places in and/or around your home to place clues. Let the last stop lead to a locked box, room, or refrigerator that holds something special (i.e. popsicles). At each station, there should be a challenge to complete that leads to the next clue. Each challenge can also provide a number or letter that allows them to unlock the door/box at the end of the activity. Challenges can be simple or tough depending on your crew (i.e. solve a riddle, do a task, etc.) You can be as creative as you can. At the end, the collection of numbers or letters gathered will be the key to unlock the door.

This activity* reminds us that there are obstacles in life—some we know of and others may take us by surprise. But, persevering is a choice. How do respond to obstacles that come? Do you have someone on your team? What keeps you moving?

*Activity example:

Station 1 challenge: name your team; Clue to next station: It is where you have your favorite family picture; Give first number if they head to the right place.

Station 2 challenge: do 20 burpees; Clue to next Station…etc.

Missions Prayer
Pray for Forrest, one of our church family’s Global Workers. Forrest is training and preparing to engage the French people through both apologetics and daily life witness to the truth of the gospel. He will be moving to France later this year.