God’s promises are not too good to be true. Jesus even promised something that some of us wish he hadn’t. Jesus told us that in the world we will have trouble, tribulation, and trials. But that’s not the end of it. Jesus also told us that he will be with us until the end. He told us that he deprived the world of power to harm our souls. Read for yourself!

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.] (John 16:33, AMP, emphasis added)

Kurt Bubna connects this verse with marriage and relationships in his new book Epic Grace, Chronicles of a Recovering Idiot . Kurt writes “In my ignorance and immaturity, I wanted blissful happiness and hot romance. I wanted a trouble-free marriage that was easy and always fun. But now I realized that what I wanted doesn’t exist. Not in the real world. Trouble is normal.”

There will be distress, frustration, and all kinds of trouble in your marriage (or any relationship) and life in general. And it’s completely normal. The Hollywood movies and romance novels don’t tell you the truth. Life is life and there will always be trouble. But there will also always be epic grace. Jesus has already conquered it for you.

 

Gracious God,
Thank you for spelling it out for us:
there will always be trouble in the world.
Strengthen us to stay strong in the midst of hardships.
Empower us to wait for joy that will come.
Equip us to encourage each other along the way.
Pour out more love on us and
help us to see each other with your eyes.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Q4U: Have you been distracted by Hollywood movies or romance novels?

Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you remain faithful by God’s grace!

Image courtesy of Amanda Petty, design Mari-Anna Stålnacke. Linking up today with Wisdom Wednesday, Unite the Bloggersphere and #tellhisstory.

This post is part of #EpicGraceWednesdays. I am blogging through Kurt Bubna’s Epic Grace. Join me every Wednesday!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review (or any review for that matter). The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”