These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
– John 16:33
Not too long ago I went to get my truck washed at a local “car spa.” It is amazing what verbal gymnastics a business will use to make patrons feel that they are experiencing a luxury service. I guess I am supposed to envision my Ford F150 in a steam bath with a towel wrapped around its bed and a cold drink in its hand. Anyway, my truck, being black, needs to be washed often compared to most vehicles because of its dark color.
I chose the basic service and was given a receipt by the attendant to take to the cashier inside the building. As I walked up to the register, I attempted to get my wallet out of my back left pocket. The shorts I was wearing were new (a recent COSTCO purchase) and I had never put a wallet in that pocket before. As I attempted to remove my billfold, I found that it was stuck tightly inside the pocket. No matter how hard I tried I could not seem to get it out. As I struggled, a line started to form behind me. I’m sure that the waiting patrons were either angry or had pity on the old man at the front of the line who was fighting with himself to perform a routine task. I thought for a brief second to ask the woman behind me for help but immediately thought better of it due to how creepy it might look to ask an unknow female to put her hand in the back of my pants. I thought the better solution was to let her go in front of me while I continued the battle with my wallet. As she finished her transaction, I was somehow able to remove my wallet. Just as I did, a car wash attendant from outside entered the building and walked up to me. He held out a piece of paper and told me, “I gave you the wrong one.” I looked at the receipt for the first time and saw that I was being charged for a wash that was more expensive than the one I had asked for. He gave me the correct billing receipt and I paid for my wash. I guess if it were not for the embarrassing struggle and my inattention, I would have paid a significantly higher price.
God’s word promises us that we will have trials and tribulations in this world. Matthew 5:45 states that God sends rain on, “the just and the unjust.” In our verse for today in the book of John, Jesus reiterates this point by not only telling us about the existence of trials, but by promising us that we will have them! Fortunately, He does not leave us there. He also promises us that through Him we can have peace and “be of good cheer,” because He has overcome the world.
Sometimes our struggles can be frightening, painful, or just plain embarrassing. We might not feel that we know what to do, where to go, or how help can possibly arrive. But the God of the universe not only knows you but can intercede on our behalf. He can give us that “peace that surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7) in the impossible situations of life.
Thought for the Day
Today you may be struggling to pull answers out of difficult situations. Know that God can cause that struggle to not only work out for your benefit but can also give you peace while you wait.
