Bump-Free TravelingSample

In 2021, my family and I took an RV road trip to hike several national parks in Colorado and Utah. All seemed picturesque and magazine-worthy until we reached the Rocky Mountains of Colorado...in a borrowed RV, weaving on two-lane roads without guardrails. On the other side of the outer rim was a narrow, dark canyon about 2,700 feet deep. The road trip of my dreams quickly became the road trip of my nightmares as all I could envision was our RV tumbling into the abyss, my white knuckles tightly gripping the passenger door with terror.

Family road trips are often loaded with plenty of "are we there yet?" and "how much longer?" statements, typically delivered with whiny overtones and dramatic exaggerations. Even flying directly to your destination can make you want to turn around and bypass the promised beach paradise. The road between here and there can bring about some unexpected, unavoidable, undesirable obstacles. Bump-free travels? Rarely possible.

The past few days, we've been unpacking a few simple statements from the Savior of the world about the journey of life and its occasional yet guaranteed trials. Jesus promised us that in this world, we would have trials (John 16:33). Yet right behind the bad news came the good news!

“But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

“But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” Again, in the Amplified version, you’ll find an even deeper, more powerful breakdown of this already mind-blowing promise. “…but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world. [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]” Can we just take a praise break right here? Whichever sequence you prefer to read for this short series of words, you’ll find reason to press on today. “My victory is abiding, so you can be confident, undaunted, and filled with joy!”

Throughout Jesus' earthly ministry, He often brought healing to those who were sick, spoke peace over storms, and the waters calmed instantly, multiplied the little supply of available food to feed thousands, and even raised dead people back to life. He held, and still holds, all power to conquer both life and death! Yet here, just before His own death on the Cross, Jesus' assurance was reminding the disciples that trials are temporary. In order to accomplish the victory He had promised to all who would believe, to make way for the Holy Spirit to come and dwell within those who receive His empowerment, to secure life eternal, Jesus had to endure a trial of His own.

His trial included something far more grievous than a delayed flight, a turnpike toll, or even a speeding ticket. His tribulation trumped an unexpected bill in the mail, a bout with sickness, or a heartbreaking breakup. Jesus looked death in the face and conquered it. The prophet Isaiah declared, "But He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His wounds we are healed." (Is 53:5) When Jesus said, "I have overcome the world", He meant it.

What are you facing today? What trial has knocked you off your feet, just short of finding you on your knees? Find a place to rediscover His presence, His haven of safety and rest. It may not be discovered as easily in the few minutes on your commute to work this time. Crawling past the shrapnel of circumstances and walls of self-preservation you’ve built may require a season of focused prayer, worship, and warfare. But remind yourself: I can have perfect peace in my Savior, Jesus Christ. I can be confident, undaunted, and filled with joy, loaded with courage, all because Jesus’ victory is abiding! His conquest is accomplished. While on this journey, the wear and tear of life will continue to create those bumps in the road. And yet we have the Hope of Heaven just ahead. Keep looking forward, leaning in, and looking up. That horizon will soon lead to our final victory!

Dig a Little Deeper

1. Be specific in prayer today as you lift up your life's current trial(s) to Jesus. He cared about the pain His disciples would experience, and He cares about yours today.

2. Do you know someone who is undergoing a fiery trial? Take a moment to call his or her name out in prayer and ask the God of all peace to sustain them in the midst of this trial. Share what you've been reminded of today with them.