You WILL have pain

John 16 starts by Jesus telling his disciples all about the pain and agonizing suffering they are about to endure in his name. Then he says he’s leaving them and the Holy Spirit, who will be there to guide them and bring them joy. One thing I like about this chapter is Jesus actually compares life to a woman giving birth "Whenever a woman is in labor she has pain, because her hour has come; but when she gives birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy that child has been born into the world.” (verse 21).

John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world

I had my first birthing classes yesterday, and there is one thing on every one's mind when birth gets brought up: PAIN.
“How long will the pain last?”
“How can I deal with this pain?”
“Can I really manage without drugs or an epidural?”
I love the fact that Jesus does not sugar-coat the truth, for in this world we do have pain. Instead he asks me to look beyond what my thoughts and anxiety,  and tells me to focus on HIM. Throughout this passage of scripture God is reveling to me that pain is temporary. Pain is worldly. And I serve an almighty God who is eternal and not temporary. He does not concern himself on things of this world because he has overcome the world. In Him we find peace.