Key Verse:
“I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.”
John 16:33 (MSG)

Reflection:
A foe is someone who desires your downfall — someone who will do anything to harm you. A friend, by contrast, is someone who rejoices in your victories, weeps with you in sorrow, and remains by your side through every season of life. Sadly, some view God as a foe, a distant figure in heaven, watching and waiting for them to make a mistake so He can punish them. Natural disasters are often labelled as “acts of God,” further painting Him as harsh and vengeful.
But that is not the heart of God at all.
God is not your enemy. He is your Champion. His mission is not to “zap” you when you falter but to save you, to restore the broken relationship between humanity and Himself. Our true adversary is the devil, who comes only to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). Jesus, however, came to bring us real and eternal life. A life more abundant than we could ever dream of. In a broken and often difficult world, Jesus reminds us to take heart. He has overcome the world. We can trust Him as the truest Friend we will ever have.
Today, choose to walk with God as your Friend. He is for you, not against you.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for being my Champion and Friend. Help me to see Your heart clearly, not as a foe seeking to punish me, but as the One who loves me endlessly. When life feels hard and I face trouble, remind me that You have already overcome the world. Today, I choose to trust You and walk closely with You. Amen.
JS