Life is not short on trouble. Our Lord knew that. The Church knows that. And we know that.

My life thus far has generally been pretty free from tragedy, but it only takes one Hail, Holy Queen, one Our Father, and one Hail Mary to remind myself that this life is a valley of tears, and that I'm in need of a Savior. It's an eerie reminder when the days are sunny and serene . . . this is not forever, this is not your Home.

But there is nothing more intimate and consoling than the words of Christ in the Gospel today, "In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world" (John 16:33).

No matter how sad the story is, the victory is won.

Today, in a million little ways, you and I will struggle. We may not be facing anything dire (or we may!) but we will certainly slip, and fall, and feel the bitter sting of defeat—spiritual, physical, emotional, or otherwise. But take courage—not only are you not alone, but the trouble you now face has already been overcome, and by the God of all things Who calls you beloved.

If the victory is His, it is yours, also. Take courage.

[bctt tweet="I'm in need of a Savior. // @blythefike" username="blessedisshe__"]

Ask for an increase in courage, and if you have a kiddo aged 8-12, pick up a copy of our children's devotional book with a whole chapter on it.

Blythe Fike is the wife of Kirby and mother of 8 smallish kids. She loves the quiet life in small town SoCal. She is a contributing author to our children's devotional prayer book called Rise Up. You can find out more about her here.