John 16:33 He’s wrapping things up… giving those closest to Him the ‘keys’ to His Kingdom. That which binds man and holds him was running out for Jesus, the man. But for God, it was time to fulfill His Word given by the prophets…the redemption and salvation of men. His omniscience wasn’t limited to His life in the flesh. He knew everything that would come after… The persecution of those who had come to trust and believe in Him would cause some to follow away, some would lose their lives and others would flee. He shared with them a vision of things yet to come. Hard things, trouble and tribulation, distress and frustration. “But take notice, the hour is coming, and it has arrived, when you will be dispersed and scattered, every man to his own home, leaving Me alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. I have told you these things so that in Me, you may have perfect peace, and confidence…”. How can anyone have perfect peace and confidence in what’s coming? There is no peace or confidence in the world view of things, but there is peace and confidence in knowing He’s overcome the world, deprived of power to harm us, He conquered it for us. This fallen world tries hard to distract us, hide the truth that we’re more than flesh and bone. Our spirit is precious and eternal and, for those who believe in Him, we have, we hold the power of the Holy Spirit…of God in us. So, Warriors stand, take courage and be confident, He Who’s in us is greater than he who’s in this world. Our battle isn’t with flesh and blood, but with the spirits of darkness. We still fight, donned in our armor of God, protected and armed with Truth, we rise, we’re undefeated, we’re Overcomers. Jesus has already handed us the victory.