Four Truths for Each New Beginning

29 His disciples said, “Yes, now you are speaking plainly, not in any figure of speech! 30 Now we know that you know all things and do not need to have anyone question you; by this we believe that you came from God.” 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 The hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each one to his home, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. 33 I have said this to you so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution, but take courage: I have conquered the world!” Four Truths for Every New Beginning John 16:33 “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

Today is a day of transition. For three of our young people, graduation marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Soon they will step into new experiences, new responsibilities, and new opportunities. But while we especially recognize our graduates today, the truth is that graduation is not limited to high school or college. Life itself is filled with graduations. Some graduate from school into adulthood. Some graduate from career into retirement.Some graduate from career into retirement. Some move from health into seasons of limitation. Some move from parenting children to watching those children raise families of their own. And sometimes the transitions we face are not the ones we would have chosen at all. Whenever we stand at the threshold of a new season, questions naturally arise: What lies ahead? How will I manage what comes next? How will I cross into this unfamiliar chapter of life? When I was a boy growing up in the hills of West Virginia, my brothers and sisters and I had to cross a creek to reach our school bus stop. Most days it was little more than a trickle of water. We scarcely noticed it as we crossed. But after a hard rain, everything changed. That gentle creek became a muddy torrent. The water rose quickly and rushed through the hollow with surprising force. What had been easy to cross suddenly became difficult—and sometimes a little frightening for a young boy. My father understood the problem. So he built a bridge across that creek. The storms still came. The waters still rose.The waters still rose. The current still rushed beneath our feet. But because there was a bridge, we could cross safely. As I look back, I realize that life is filled with such crossings. Graduation is one of them. Retirement is another. Illness can become a crossing. Grief can become a crossing. A new job, a move to a different community, an unexpected change in circumstances—each can feel like standing before a swollen creek wondering how we will get to the other side. The good news of the Gospel is that Jesus Christ provides a bridge for every crossing we face. That is what He was doing for His disciples when He spoke the words of our text. They were standing on the edge of one of the greatest transitions of their lives. Within hours Jesus would be arrested. The cross was before Him. Their world was about to be shaken. Yet Jesus gave them a promise strong enough to carry them through every storm and every crossing: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Within that one verse are four truths for every new beginning, every transition, and every crossing of life. I. Peace Jesus begins with a promise:Jesus begins with a promise: “That in me ye might have peace.” Notice where peace is found. Not in circumstances. Not in success. Not in good health. Not in knowing exactly what tomorrow holds. Peace is found in Christ. The world says peace comes when all problems disappear. Jesus says peace comes when we remain connected to Him despite our problems. The Apostle Paul understood this. Sitting in a Roman prison, uncertain whether he would live or die, he wrote: “The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7) That peace does not always make sense. It is the peace that carries us through hospital rooms, retirement decisions, family struggles, and uncertain futures. Just as my father’s bridge allowed us to cross the creek without fear, Christ gives us peace as we face life’s crossings. The waters may still rise, but beneath our feet is something secure.Just as my father’s bridge allowed us to cross the creek without fear, Christ gives us peace as we face life’s crossings. The waters may still rise, but beneath our feet is something secure. The first truth is this: You can have peace because Christ is with you. II. Trouble Then Jesus speaks a surprising truth: “In the world ye shall have tribulation.” Notice He does not say might. He says shall. Jesus never promised an easy road. Graduates will face challenges. Parents will face challenges. Retirees will face challenges. Every believer will face challenges. The Bible is remarkably honest about life. Joseph was betrayed by his brothers. David faced giants. Daniel faced lions. Paul endured imprisonment. Even Jesus Himself was acquainted with grief.Even Jesus Himself was acquainted with grief. Sometimes we think faith should exempt us from hardship. Instead, Scripture teaches that faith helps us endure hardship. Peter writes: “Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you.” (1 Peter 4:12) The storms still came after my father built the bridge. The water still rose. The bridge did not remove the creek—it simply provided a way through it. Likewise, Christ does not promise that we will avoid every storm. He promises to bring us safely through them. The second truth is: Do not be surprised by trouble. Expect it—but face it with faith. III. Courage “Be of good cheer.” Or as some translations render it: “Take courage.” Biblical courage is not the absence of fear. It is moving forward despite fear because we trust God.It is moving forward despite fear because we trust God. Joshua stood where Moses once stood and undoubtedly felt inadequate for the task before him. Yet God repeatedly told him: “Be strong and courageous.” (Joshua 1:9) Why? Because courage does not come from confidence in ourselves. It comes from confidence in God. Crossing that bridge as a child did not require confidence in my own strength. It required confidence in the bridge my father had built. Likewise, Christian courage comes from trusting the One who has gone before us and prepared the way. The third truth is: Take courage because God goes before you. IV. Victory Finally Jesus says: “I have overcome the world.” Not I will overcome. Not I hope to overcome.Not I hope to overcome. “I have overcome the world.” The cross had not yet happened. The resurrection was still ahead. Yet Jesus spoke with absolute confidence because His victory was certain. Paul later declared: “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” (Romans 8:37) The bridge my father built always led somewhere. It carried us safely from one side to the other. So it is with Christ. He does not merely help us endure life’s crossings. He leads us through them toward His purposes and ultimately toward His eternal kingdom. Because He has overcome, we need not fear the future. The fourth truth is: Live with confidence because Christ has already won the victory. Conclusion As we celebrate our graduates today, and as each of us considers the transitions and crossings that lie ahead, remember these four truths from the lips of Jesus: Peace—because Christ is with you.Peace—because Christ is with you. Trouble—because storms still come. Courage—because God goes before you. Victory—because Christ has overcome the world. The waters may rise. The current may seem strong. The crossing may appear uncertain. But our Lord has built a bridge for every season of life. Therefore, we can move forward with peace in our hearts, courage in our steps, and confidence in His victory. For the One who said, “I have overcome the world,” is the same One who promises: “I am with you always, even unto the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) And that is enough for whatever crossings lie ahead.