I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. John 16:33 ESV

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope. Romans 5:3-4

Last week we had a bad storm that started as a hurricane in Florida and moved north. We had thunder and lightning and pouring rain and wind that rattled the windows. It was scary to listen to, but we were safe inside our home. And we knew that God and Jesus were with us even though the storm was all around us. Have you ever been in a bad storm? How did you feel? In a physical storm we can take shelter in our home or other building.

But sometimes our storms aren’t physical storms, like rainstorms or snowstorms. Sometimes our storms are the hard and difficult things we have to go through in life. Talk with your parents, what hard times have you had? What troubles you? What storms are you worried about?

In our first verse for today, Jesus tells us that we will have tribulations because we live in the world. Tribulations are troubles, difficulties, and the “storms” of life. But Jesus also gives us comfort by telling us to not be worried or afraid (“take heart”) because He has overcome the world. Jesus is more powerful than anything that can happen to us and He is with us in all of our storms!

Our second verse this week is written by Paul to the people in the Roman Church. Paul says (just like Jesus said) that we will suffer with troubles and storms in life. Paul says that as we face our storms and we always trust Jesus to be with us and care for us and go with us through the storms, we will get endurance. To endure means to stand strong in our faith even in suffering or troubles. To be someone who always trusts Jesus and tries to be more like Him.

This week, as you think about some of the troubles and storms you face, talk with your parents. Maybe you have problems with school or friends, how to handle a situation or relationship, or how you can stand strong and trust Jesus to see you through your “storms.” Let the storms in your life increase your trust in Jesus and produce endurance, good character, and hope.

Blessings and strengthened faith with Jesus beside you in your storms!