“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 NIV
Overcome
Not surprisingly, many foreign students coming to Canada to study experience culture shock. The website studyincanada.com gives some good advice on overcoming that culture shock. It says, “A great way to refresh your perspective is to go out and do stuff! See the sights in your new country. Be a tourist. Get involved with some aspects of the local culture. Take a cooking class, visit a museum, attend a concert. Check out a nearby sports team or go to a dance. Ask lots of questions!”
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We watch the daily news with horror as war continues to destroy lives. Right now, millions of people are living in refugee camps, having been forced to flee their homes because of conflict. Since Cain killed his brother Abel, conflict on a personal, tribal and national level has divided people and left billions of hearts broken. And for followers of Jesus, persecution has never been worse. Is there any hope at all? While Jesus was living here, He gave a promise to His followers. In John 16:33 we read, “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.” Jesus understood that until He returned, His people would face trouble living out their faith in this world. There are more Christians dealing with persecution today than ever before. According to the International Society for Human Rights, a non-religious organization, 273 Christians are killed daily for their faith in Jesus. Every. Single. Day. Jesus reminds us that He is coming again, and will bring justice for all who have faced persecution and opposition simply because they love Jesus. Take heart.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley