Take Heart...I Have Overcome the World

“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.

When I went back to school full-time (while working full-time), I had very little time to watch TV.  I would hear individuals talking about different TV series and how good they were, but most of my evenings were spent doing homework.

Just recently, my oldest son told me that I would love the TV series – Parenthood!  However, it is in its final season and I had never seen one show!  So, my son set me up with Netflix and I began watching this popular TV series!

The characters in the series include a mom and dad, their four children (two sons and two daughters) and their spouses, as well as, numerous grandchildren!  Each week this large family deals with life situations that many of us can easily relate to.

Members of their family have dealt with divorce and broken homes…losing their jobs…illness…cancer…an adoption process falling through…infidelity…alcoholism…dealing with children and teen issues…arguments between siblings’…arguments between children/parents…and numerous other situations that many of us have faced in everyday life.

They have also been blessed to share numerous times of celebrations…family dinners…holidays…birthday celebrations…birth of children…starting new careers…restored relationships…. anniversaries…and many other of life’s joys!

I think that is why I love this show.  It’s real!  Many of us have faced and dealt with the different topics and situations that are being addressed on this show.  One minute you are laughing hysterically…and then next…you are crying uncontrollably! 

You can relate to the family members…rejoicing with them when things go well…and crying with them when one of them is facing a difficult situation that affects their family!

The one thing I have noticed as I watch this popular TV series is the love this family has for one another.

Do they argue…yes!  Do they get mad and yell at each other at different times…yes!  Have they ever said something that was hurtful…yes! 

Have they had to every say they were sorry…yes!  Have they had to forgive each other and put the hurt behind them and move on…yes!

It’s inspiring and encouraging!  This family is doing life together! 

Sometimes life situations portrayed on the show are not pretty…and if I am completely honest…sometimes they are downright ugly!

But that’s life!  We too have to deal with difficult issues and circumstances!  We too find life messy and ugly one moment…and the next moment…we are rejoicing for all the good things that are happening in our lives!

Maybe you are going through a difficult time right now.  Maybe you are dealing with a family member who facing a situation that seems unbearable!

God’s word tells us…In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world”…John 16:33.

God never promised that life would be easy.  He never promised us that we would not face trials and tribulations!

But God did promise us that he would be with us!  Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you…Hebrews 13:5.

God is with us.  Regardless of what we are walking through, God is with us and will never leave us! 

And because Jesus walked this earth and faced temptations…HE completely understands the trials and tribulations we are facing. 

Jesus cares…and He loves us!

Life is messy…Life is beautiful!  I’m so thankful that each day I walk hand-in-hand with my Heavenly Father…facing not only the difficult days with Him by my side, but also sharing life’s glorious moments with Him as well!

Dear Heavenly Father…thank you that even though we will face trouble in this world…you have overcome the world and we can have peace in all of life’s moments!  Thank you that you have promised to never leave or forsake us!  Thank you for “doing life” with us each day!