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“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Following Jesus can be difficult at times. Jesus said that you will have trouble. Here are three things that will help you to persevere when the going gets tough.

You can expect a divided response whenever you witness for Jesus
Some will be gathered to Him and some will be gathered against Him. Knowing this will help you in your witness for Jesus. If you are burdened for someone who does not believe, you might think, “If I were a better witness, I’d be able to persuade her.” But, think about it, you can’t be a better witness than Jesus. Even when Jesus spoke, people were confused, divided, and resistant. Knowing this will help you when your experience is the same.

You can have joy in following Jesus whatever it costs
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field” (Matt. 13:44). Although there is a cost, the man is not concerned about the cost, because he has already calculated the gain. There’s treasure in that field! And when you buy that field, the treasure will be yours. When you know the treasure Jesus is, you will follow Him whatever it costs.

You can have confidence in Jesus for the future
The Pharisees sent officers to arrest Jesus, but the reason the arrest was not made was that “his hour had not yet come” (John 7:30). These verses speak to us very directly today. There was growing hostility toward Jesus. Those who believed were small in number, and those who were opposed to Jesus seemed to have all the power. When you wonder what the future will hold, remember this: even if the world were to go into a new dark age for the next thousand years, Jesus Christ would still prevail. He will do so at a time of His own choosing.

Which of these three do you find most encouraging today? Why?