I Have Overcome the World!

In Paul David Tripp’s “New Morning Mercies,” this passage tells us that we don’t have to pretend that everything is okay when it is not okay. Biblical faith never asks us to deny the harsh realities of life in this fallen world. God welcomes our cries and invites us into His arms. Amidst our troubles, we are to remember that what we are experiencing is a part of God’s plan. Jesus is telling us that it is the plan of God, for His glory and their good in a terribly broken world. We should never think that our troubles are an indication of the failure of God’s plan and His promises. Just the contrary, our present suffering exists under His rule and according to His wise and loving plan.

In our troubles Jesus’s personal invitation is to remind us that we are never alone. Just as he was forsaken by all His disciples, he reminds us that it was impossible for Him to be alone because His Father was with Him. Jesus in His power, grace, and love is always with us. We are to remember that our past does not define us, God defines us, and He loves us unconditionally.