Take Heart!
He will be our peace when Assyria invades our land, and when he marches through our fortresses, then we will raise against him seven shepherds, and eight leaders of men. — Micah 5:5
I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world. — John 16:33
Author
Charles Spurgeon
Summary: Tribulation is a reality, and we cannot expect to feel at home in exile or find rest amid trials. Though affliction may weigh down our spirits, we must not give in to discouragement: the Lord commands us to take heart. Our hope rests in Jesus’ victory, for his battle was far more severe than ours. The world has already been overcome; by his grace, we can fight a defeated enemy and trust that Jesus will also triumph in us. So we take heart and sing to our victorious Lord.
My Lord’s words about tribulation are true. I have my share of tribulation beyond all doubt. The threshing flail is not hung out of reach, nor can I expect it to be put away while I remain on the threshing floor.
How could I expect to feel at home in the enemy’s country, or joyful while I am in exile, or comfortable in a wilderness? This is not my resting place. This is the place of the furnace, the forge, and the hammer. My experience agrees with my Lord’s words.
I notice how He commands me to “be of good cheer.” Alas, I am all too prone to be downcast. My spirit soon sinks when I am severely afflicted. But I must not give in to this feeling. When the Lord commands me to take heart, I must not dare to be downcast.
What argument does He use to encourage me? It is His own victory. He says, “I have overcome the world.” His battle was far more severe than mine. I have not yet resisted unto death. Why should I not hope to overcome? My soul, observe that the enemy has been defeated once already. I fight against a defeated enemy. O world, Jesus has already overcome you; and in me, by His grace, He will overcome you again. Therefore, I take heart and sing hymns to my victorious Lord.
Source: The Checkbook of the Bank of Faith. Translated by Allan Roman.
http://www.spurgeon.com.mx/chequera/meditames/mayo.pdf