“In this world you shall have tribulation.” — John 16:33

I’ve read that Bible verse all of my life and been reminded each time that this world, full of sin, can daily serve up generous portions of hardship and trials. It’s the remainder of the verse that encourages me and sometimes challenges me — “But be of good cheer for I have overcome the world.”   

Those words gained extraordinary power because they came from Jesus, the possessor of ALL power. I can know and trust that Jesus meant what He said concerning tribulation.

Why would Jesus allow tribulation if He has all power? That’s the question often asked by non-believers as well as believers. Could the Father’s love really allow for trials and tribulations? 

God has shown me a small glimpse into the “why” of troubles. When our children were still infants, the first most dreaded day of their young lives came when our pediatrician scheduled their first injections. I insisted that their daddy and my support take off work and go with me. I would have asked for the National Guard if I had thought they would have come. 

I knew I couldn’t protect them from childhood diseases with just my love and care, and I knew I had confidence in my physician so I scheduled that grievous day. We went to the doctor.

The physical was nothing but uncomfortable for me. The doctor stretched and probed their tiny muscles and handled them like they were a sack of potatoes instead of the priceless treasure that they were to us. Then he scribbled on their chart and instructed us to wait for the nurse.

She came, always while our infants were cooing and smiling, safe and secure, happy and content in our arms. Then she instructed us to place those helpless, innocent infants on the examining table and hold them down while she gave the prescribed injections.  

I wanted to close my eyes so I couldn’t watch or see our babies look into our distressed faces. I wanted to know baby language so I could try and explain what was about to happen. Would they have understood? Could I have adequately explained to their young minds that this is for your good? The ones who love you most will never leave you, but we are allowing this pain because we do love you so much. It will hurt, but it’s the only way we can be assured you will have the protection you need.

Like the majority of parents, we survived the ordeal along with our children who were protected from life-threatening diseases. We, as believers, will survive too and come out of tribulation knowing more of our Father’s love, understanding more how to lean upon His strength and power, depending more upon His Word that sustains us in the tribulations and loving Him more for counting us worthy of suffering.

When we respond to and in tribulation with “good cheer,” we are honoring God with a trust that others can see and perhaps have their own waning strength renewed. It’s also another opportunity to defeat the enemy, and that’s always a good thing.

Camille Anding, The Daily Leader, P. O. Box 551, Brookhaven, MS 39602.