A Light in the darkness

A Light in the darkness

Bible: John 1:5; 16:1-11,33

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (JOHN 16:33).

Reading

Mr. Bae’s grandfather, parents and his own family were all persecuted, attacked and hated for talking about Jesus. They live in a country that hates Jesus and has made Christianity illegal. But an amazing thing happened when Mr. Bae was imprisoned for telling a friend about God: his trust in Jesus actually grew. The same was true for his parents when they were sentenced to a concentration camp—they continued to share Jesus’ love even there. Mr. Bae found the promise of John 1:5 to be true: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Before His arrest and crucifixion, Jesus warned His followers about the trouble and dangers they’d face. They would be rejected by people who “will do such things because they have not known the Father or me” (JOHN 16:3). But Jesus offered words of comfort: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (V.33). While many Christians haven’t experienced the same kind of persecution as Mr. Bae and his family, we can expect to face trouble. Maybe you are already facing it. Your family might be making it hard for you to go to church. Your classmates might bully you for being different. But we don’t have to give in or become hateful ourselves. Remember Mr. Bae’s example. In the pain and the attacks we face, let’s come even closer to Jesus for protection, strength and opportunities to keep sharing Him. We are not on our own; we have a Helper—the Holy Spirit Jesus promised to send. We can turn to Him for all our needs (V.7). The power of God will hold us steady in

dark times.

IF YOU SUFFER AS A CHRISTIAN, DO NOT BE
ASHAMED, BUT PRAISE GOD THAT YOU BEAR THAT
NAME. 1 PETER 4:16

YouTh Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries