Thursday, February 28, 2019

Understanding The Peace Of God, What It Does And What It Doesn’t Do

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled… —John 14:27 

What is your expectation of God with respect to your faith and everyday living?  Do you think that God is obligated to make certain that you do not have to endure hardship?  That nothing “bad” will happen to you or the ones you love?  No injury, no heartbreak, no death, no failure, no loss?  If you do, that is a problem.  The Bible does not promise that. 

God’s theme song might be “I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden!” In fact Jesus said (John 16:33) “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.” Our peace is in Jesus – supernatural peace … peace in spite of the circumstances you must face in this world you live in .. a world full of sinners.  Peace is a fruit of the Spirit. A peace in spite of your circumstances. 

Because of your spiritual nature and the perspective that is possible, you can understand and respond to life, as it happens, differently. Oh, you wanted to avoid experiencing anything unpleasant and were hoping that your rebirth would provide that for you?  Sorry!  But that does not mean that you can’t experience joy while your feet are still on “terra firma.”  Joy is another fruit of the Spirit.  Are you hoping the world will somehow get better over time?  Not going to happen, just watch the news.  Sin begets sin.  Hurt people hurt people.  The only answer is Jesus.  He is the Hope of Heaven.   

James said (James 1:2-4) “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” 

Look!  All of us have experienced and are experiencing difficulties in this life.  Let God be your comfort in midst of your afflictions. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)  God showed His grace and mercy by sending a Redeemer – Jesus, a peace giver. And then He sent a Spiritual Helper – the Holy Spirit.  Let your light burn brightly in the midst of the trouble that comes your way.  The world wants to snuff out your candle, to replace Jesus with its gods – money and self-indulgence. 

Let people know that our Redeemer lives through your testimony! He is Jesus the King.  He is the Christ.  The Son of God,  who takes away the sins of the world.  Shout hallelujah! And thank God for His wonderful gift … (Ephesians 2:8-9) “…you are saved by faith … it is a gift from God” You have a source of peace when the world is crumbling around you that baffles the world and gives glory to God.

No comments: