12th August 2026

God's Epic Story

"These things I have spoken to you,

that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation;

but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

Today's Bible Reading: John 16:25-33.

A magazine cover displayed a horrifying photograph of starving children in a country devastated by civil war. A young boy, distressed, took a copy of the magazine to his Sunday School teacher and asked, “Does God know about this?” His teacher replied, “I know you do not understand, but, yes, God knows about that.” The boy walked out, declaring he was uninterested in such a God.

These questions disturb not only children but all of us. Alongside an affirmation of God’s mysterious knowledge, I wish that boy had heard about the epic story God is continuing to write, even in the most desperate of places.

The Lord Jesus unfolded this story for His followers, those who assumed He would shield them from hardship. Christ told them instead that “in this world you will have tribulation.” What the Lord did offer, however, was His promise that these evils were not the end. In fact, He had already “overcome the world” (John 16:33). And in God’s final chapter, every injustice will be undone, every suffering healed.

Genesis to Revelation recounts the story of God destroying every unthinkable evil, making every wrong right. The story presents the loving One whose interest in us is unquestioned. Jesus said to His disciples, “ These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace” (v 33). May we each rest in His peace and presence today.

Prayer: Dear God, it can be hard for me to see how You will right all the evils. But I trust You to do it. In the Mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.