SCRIPTURE

The Father is with me. I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world. - John 16:33 MSG

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PRAYER

Father God,

The Christian faith is often misrepresented by people believing life is trouble-free once they give their life over to you, but you tell us in your Word that isn’t true, and I know it from personal experience. The evil in the world yields chaos, disunity, disease, oppression, and injustice. I am human, and I am affected by what happens to, and around, me. Help me remain steadfast in my faith and cling to the hope that comes from knowing you are already victorious over all that opposes your perfect peace.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

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JOURNAL REFLECTION

Was the Christian life ever misrepresented to you as being “easy” or trouble-free? How have the troubles you’ve faced in your life after meeting Jesus been different than before you had him in your life?

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CALL TO ACTION

It’s easy for us to think that following Jesus will save us from worldly strife and trials, but we know that isn’t the case. Today’s verse helps us remember a paramount facet of Christianity: God is always with us. No matter the difficulties we face, as Christ-followers, we have an incredible peace in knowing we never face anything alone. Today, watch “A Prayer of Peace” message as a reminder of God’s unfailing love and boundless peace.