Some days I feel like I'm a climbing a steep mountain with boulders flying at me as I inch my way upward.  I know I am not alone.  This week I have prayed for a friend under unbelievable stress at work, a couple I do not know who lost an infant unexpectedly, and ministries in foreign countries with financial needs.

In John 16, prior to the quote above, Jesus was preparing the disciples for change.  His death and resurrection, the infilling of the Holy Spirit, the joy of knowing God more intimately than ever before...all these changes were a plan for good, but the road would not be easy.  And as we know two thousand years later, those disciples were challenged and frustrated, but ultimately victorious.

God wants no less for you and me.  We are all living in times of change.  What changes are taking place in your life today?  To whom do you turn when your journey becomes irritating, exasperating and/or impossible!?  Jesus calls to you and me just as He did the disciples, and let me quote the whole of John 16:33 here, for in it He expresses some of His hardest truths and sweetest promises, "I have told you these things [prepared you for these changes], so that in Me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world."

Let's pray.  Father, thank You for the great plans You have for each of us.  Please forgive us when we let the mountains and boulders beat us down.  We choose this day to receive Your peace and Your victory as our daily provision.  In Jesus' Precious Name we pray.  Amen.