"Except ONE!"

John 16:29-33              (ESV)
"29 His disciples said, "Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech!
30 Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God."
31 Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe?
32 Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me.
33 I have said these things to you, that in ME you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."


While here on earth JESUS spoke in parables often, I believe because HIS hearers could not comprehend pure, unadulterated TRUTH!  There were a few times HE chose to speak plainly though, and this was one of those times.  One would like to think HE spoke so no person could misinterpret the massage HE was trying to get across.

JESUS said "in the world" we WOULD have tribulation.  HE didn't say we COULD have, or we MIGHT have, or MAYBE we would have tribulation!  JESUS was alerting HIS disciples that tough times were coming, but that HE had overcome the world.  The difficulties that lie ahead for the disciples were a PROMISE, but so was the victory that awaited them.

Why do we get so frustrated when things don't work out the way we think they should?   Why do we have a preconceived idea of utopia and the perfect life?  All of the trials and difficulties I have faced in my life have grown me into who I currently am.  The trials and difficulties I currently am going through are preparing me for my future.

Don't be looking for a friend or acquaintance to assist you through a valley you may be going through.  GOD may be trying to teach you that HE is the ONLY help you need.  We should be willing to be used of HIM when we see others with a need, but we need to understand that HE may be using those difficulties to grow someone?

Psalms 46:1 says "GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."  No friend can provide peace and joy.........except ONE!