Are believers to be moved by their circumstances or remain unmoved and change their circumstances?
In John 16:33 Amplified Jesus says, “’I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world, you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world. [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]’”
This verse is rich with wisdom for us as we look at this subject.
- Jesus is sharing truth that in Him we find our perfect peace. The world gives us tribulation, distress and suffering. We are to be courageous, confident, undaunted and filled with joy because He has overcome that which comes against us.
- This verse separates our emotional peace from the circumstances around us. So, which one affects the other one? We know from this verse that our circumstances do not affect, maintain or lead us in peace. It is Jesus that leads us in perfect peace.
- Our circumstances have the power to effect what we feel, think and believe. This is our opportunity to stand on the Word of God as our truth. We can declare: “I am kept in perfect peace because my mind is stayed on you Jesus (Isaiah 26:3). I will not be moved by my circumstances but will only be moved by the Spirit of God.”
- Jesus goes on to tell us that we are to be courageous during our circumstances. The amplified version expands this to include confident, undaunted and filled with joy! This is unmoved. This is living from the inside and not from the outside.
- As we live in this way, the world will see Jesus. There will be no other explanation for how we are able to walk through tribulation, distress and suffering.
As the world sees Jesus, they will begin to hunger for Jesus. They will be drawn to Him. So, in this way, we are affecting the outside circumstances and world by being transformed inside.
How do we live like this? How do we not live out of the emotional roller coaster that is caused by our outside circumstances?
We know that the Father would never tell us to do something without also providing a way to do it. To get you started CLICK HERE to receive my Free Keys to Apply This Truth.
Keep on, Don’t give up
As we continue to submit ourselves to the Lord, the power of the Word and the Holy Spirit will continue to transform us into the image of Jesus. He who began a good work in you will see it through to completion (Philippians 1:6)!
Remember there is grace for us as we are being transformed. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).
Blessings my friend as you press on and change the world around you through your transformed inner life!
Elle Stahlhut Roetzel is an Author, Speaker and Breakthrough Coach. Her most recent book, Bridal Redemption, is available on Amazon.
