“And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, and had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, when she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.”
...

“In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: And his children shall have a place of refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, To depart from the snares of death. In the multitude of people is the king's honour: But in the want of people is the destruction of the prince. He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: But he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly. A sound heart is the life of the flesh: But envy the rottenness of the bones.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭14‬:‭26‬-‭30‬ ‭KJV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.14.26-30.KJV

Don’t Be Surprised

There are some things that shouldn’t surprise us: 

Winter blooming to life each spring. 
The sun rising every morning.
Our ongoing need for food, water, air, and rest. 
Change being an essential part of life.

Likewise, there’s no escaping the fact that life is messy and full of trouble. This beautiful world is fractured. But, despite this, Jesus offers us hope:

“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

What “things” had Jesus just told His disciples?

He was honest about the grief and pain they’d endure but also about the future joy they’d experience. He was preparing their hearts for His death and their persecution but also for His resurrection and their salvation. Jesus’ encouragement to His disciples is also an encouragement to us…

We shouldn’t be surprised that this world is full of challenges—but Jesus is bigger than it all.

Following ...