What God's Peace Is And What It Is Not

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 ever have to endure hardship?  That nothing “bad” will happen to you or the ones you love because you are a Christian?  No injury, no heartbreak, no death, no failure, no loss?  

Well, 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 

“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 

Our peace is in Jesus – supernatural peace … peace within in spite of the circumstances you find yourself in while you live out your life this world ... a world full of sinners.  Peace is a fruit of the Spirit ... a capacity to respond to life in spite of your circumstances … Because of you have a new nature - a spiritual nature and perspective you see life, as it happens, differently. 

Of course you want to avoid experiencing anything unpleasant and perhaps was 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 planted 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.  Sin begets sin.  Hurt people hurt people.  The answer to dealing with the trouble of this life is Jesus.  He is the Hope of Heaven.  James wrote

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. - James 1:2-4

Look!  All of us have experienced and are experiencing difficulties in this life.  Soon we will be celebrating Christmas which is a reminder that God showed His grace and mercy by sending a Redeemer – Jesus. And then He sent a Spiritual Helper – the Holy Spirit. And through Jesus, He established the Church.  Let your light shine in the midst of this "unreasonable" facsimile of the celebration of the incarnation of the Savior of the world.  The world wants to snuff out your candle.  To replace Jesus with its god – money. Let your light burn brightly.  Let people know that our Redeemer lives! 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 have been saved by faith … it is a gift from God”

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone