“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
I’ve always found this verse to be encouraging, especially when it feels like life is blowing up all around me. However, I’m not the best at sitting back and letting someone else do the work. Don’t get me wrong – I’m glad Jesus told us not to sweat it because He’s got it, but sometimes I want in on the action too!
Maybe you’re in that spot where life is overwhelming, and every time you turn around, there’s a new worry, problem, or issue, and you’re tired of being positive or looking at the glass half full.
My daughter has repeatedly been playing Lemons by Loveleo, and the chorus goes like this…
“Life just gives me lemons And I don’t like lemonade. Sticky situation, ah Look at this mess I’ve made.”
Maybe you feel like him, can’t take things continuously going wrong, and just want to shout about it. Well, making that turn towards success may be easier than you think. Buried in the book of Revelation is this scripture:
“They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” Revelations 12:11
I love how Jesus does the heavy lifting of getting us out of a rut, whether we were thrown in there or jumped in willingly, and all we have to do is tell each other about what He has done for us.
Wait a minute. No, I don’t like that at all! Especially the part about me being transparent and telling all the juicy details of my testimony? You know, my poor choices, the times I was a jerk to my wife or daughter, and all the times I didn’t want to wait on the Lord, so I just picked the easy path.
Proverbs has two verses about the power of an authentic moment with a friend who shares the truth.
Proverbs 27:9: “Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from thier heartfelt advice.”
Proverbs 19:20: “Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.”
Simply put, your story has healing power not only for you but also for others.
CS Lewis said it best. “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.”
What has you feeling overwhelmed this week? Health? Money? Kids? Relationships? How can I pray for you? Let’s overcome together, and share our story to others!
In His service and at yours
~Shawn
Red Letter Moments 
That’s a pretty heavy message, and doesn’t appear to have a lot of joy in it. I’m sad that Cora, doesnt like lemonade, perhaps a lemon meringue pie would whet her appetite.And, I love the cherriness of th lemon color, ir always brightens the day. As for Jesus doing heavy lifting for us, hooray, we surely can’t life the burdens that may surround us, and as far as telling each other everything, hmmm, not a good idea, perhaps some morsels, but that’s what Jesus does, for us when we pray, we tell Him all. Thank you Shawn and may youR day be blessed with love, joy and happiness
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