In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world. John 1633 she had only half a block to walk to reach the bus stop. When the bus pulled up, she started running, clutching her bag in one hand, waving frantically with the other, hoping the driver would see her. Disappointment was obvious as the bus pulled away and left her behind. It would have been nice had the bus driver waited a few seconds for the young woman to get there. I don't know how he could not have seen her since he had to pass her on his way to the stop, and Im guessing she was a regular on the route. Of course, the young woman maybe could have made it on time had she not opted to take a second cup of coffee before heading out the door. Im speculating, of course, I dont know that she did that. She may not even drink coffee for all I know, but it was what it was. The bus drove off and I really hope the driver and other passengers werent laughing and the woman either had to wait for the next bus or find some other means of getting where she was going. In a perfect world, everything runs smoothly, no mistakes are made, and nobody gets left behind at the bus stop. But we dont live in a perfect world. We live in a world full of chaos and selfishness and anger. We live in a world in which not everyone believes in God, a world where people who do believe in God and try their best to honor him are often bullied by those who dont. This is not the world that God created, but it is the world that we human beings have turned it into because of sin. True, a lot of things still go right, but a lot of things fall very far short of right, often leaving us disappointed, discouraged, and depressed. Jesus told his disciples that this would happen. He warned of troubles that come to all people, especially to those who want to live their lives in a way that honors him. Paul declared that everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ will be persecuted, and evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse. It happened in the days of Noah. It happened in the days of Abraham and lot. It happened in the days when Jesus walked on earth, and it happens today. But Jesus said, don't let yourselves become too depressed. I have overcome the world, he said, and one day everything will be remade and will be perfect again. In the meantime, we must be faithful, even when all others are not. We must do what is right, even when the majority do what is wrong. And we must trust in him who who can make all things new the bus driver may take off while you're running to catch up, but Jesus will never leave you behind.

Music this has been your thought for the day with Steve Burkham, pastor of Community Christian Church in Stockton, California. If you have questions or comments for Pastor Steve, please send them to dailythoughtspodcastmail.com dot. Have a great day, and we hope you'll join us tomorrow as Pastor Steve opens God's word to bring us another thought for the day.