Take Heart, Believer - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - July 17, 2025
“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
As I scrolled through my social media feed, I saw many of my friends posting that they were praying for the world. I turned on the local news station to learn that the United States had just bombed Iran. I watched the scene unfold and listened to the news commentators as they discussed what that meant for the country's future, and my pulse started to race. My heart beat a little faster. Countries have been embroiled in numerous conflicts over the years, but I didn't fret over them as much as I did over this one.
Perhaps it was because, in past conflicts, I was a child and didn't fully understand the ramifications. The presence of social media allows us to learn more about what's happening in the world more quickly. Violence and conflict have spread through our nation. People are angrier than ever before. It feels as if the world is turned upside down. In a sense, it feels as if God is releasing his control.
Yet, the above verse confirms otherwise. Jesus never promised the absence of conflict. He only promised that he would be with us amid that conflict. God was with Daniel when he was thrown into the den of lions. He was with Moses as he led the people through the wilderness for forty years. He was with the prophet Elijah during a severe drought and provided him with water throughout all those years. Scripture has many examples of God's presence with people amid severe persecution, conflict, and pain.
We live in a broken world. This world is not our home. This was never God's intention for his people. But he did send us here to make the world a better place. Amid anger, we need to be kind. Amid bitterness, we need to forgive. Amid hate, we need to love.
God promised there would be trouble. We can take comfort in knowing God is not surprised by this trouble. He knew before the beginning of time what would happen and when it would happen. He promised to be with us to protect us, to comfort us, to strengthen us. When the world promises pain, God promises to be with us amid that pain.
When you see what's happening in the world, how do you feel? Do you feel fearful about the future? Do you choose peace because you know God has overcome the world?
Through the pages of Scripture, God revealed what will happen to the world. Jesus will come back. Satan will be defeated. His people will be raised from the dead. We will have fellowship with him. We can have peace in knowing that that's the end of the story. We can also have peace and know that the Holy Spirit dwells within us.
He is there to guide, convict, encourage, and comfort us during the time of trial. Isn't it comforting to know that Jesus gave us an advocate, the Holy Spirit, to be with us when he couldn't? The Holy Spirit is there to guide and direct our every step. Just as he guides and directs our steps, he also guides the world's steps.
Jesus knows the end of the story. He promises to have fellowship with anyone who pursues him. Even when the news can feel daunting and overwhelming, reminding us of the state of the world, we can take heart in knowing that Jesus has overcome the world.
Let's pray:
Father, let us be people who take peace in knowing that you are with us, even though there will always be trouble in this life. Let us respond in kindness when the world spews hatred. Let us act in peaceful and humble ways when the world arrogantly wants to mock and ridicule us. Let us take solace in knowing that we can have peace during times of trouble. Jesus, you know the whole story. Help us find comfort in knowing that you have overcome the world. Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/ChayTee
Related Resource: CMA Country Christmas Artists Share Their Stories of Faith
The Christmas season is a beautiful time when the light of faith often breaks through in the most surprising and wonderful ways—and sometimes, right on prime-time television! We love watching artists who sing and speak from their hearts and who have shared their Jesus Calling journey with us, step onto the world’s biggest stages. We’ll revisit powerful moments of inspiration and deep connection from GRAMMY award winning artists Bebe Winans and Hillary Scott from Lady A, plus CMA Song of the Year Award winner Jordan Davis, who will also be co-hosting this CMA Country Christmas special.
