Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 NIV
The Inspiration:
Today's verse is taken from the same chapter of the bible as yesterday's. Jesus had spoken to his disciples, encouraging them to look forward to all that God had promised. Hope for that which you are certain to get keeps you motivated. It is not a wonder that men and women of old stuck to their faith and would not be moved by threat or death. For some, they lost their lives in terrible ways, like Stephen or James, while others suffered loss or banishment, like John. Others stood for the Lord and enjoyed great success, like Joseph and Daniel. In all these instances, there would be something in them that kept them going, and it had to be the presence of God. God is the only One who can make beautiful pottery from broken and marred clay. In His hands, the worst of people become vessels of honour, purified and made ready for His use. It really matters who is backing you up or holding your hand as you go through life.
The Contention:
Of course, God will not let you go alone, but you have to come to Him on His terms. He has promised me His peace, and this means what I get is Him. When God makes a promise, He stakes his name and reputation on His Word, and because He is an Eternal God, His Word also has that capacity to outlive any situation or circumstance. God promises me His peace, which, if I recall the stories of the bible, is a special kind of calm in the midst of the most chaotic of situations. This is a peace that could make Jesus sleep on a pillow, while a storm was raging outside. This is the peace that could make men like Paul look forward to trials and tribulations, because they knew the power of the God who was backing them up. When you read the account of anyone in the bible, and you see the expression: "and the Lord was with him", you know that the end of that person will be peace, no matter what the storms look like. Can I trust God with my life the way the people of old did? Can i take God at His Word?
The Conclusion:
It is also critical to note that the world does not have this version of peace. The world will use actual or perceived violence to enforce its own kind of peace. The state of the world today supports the truth that 'you can only give what you have". How would I look to this world and think it can give me peace? This is a world that even high fences and guard dogs cannot keep you safe. This is a world where evil lurks practically everywhere. God is the only One who has asked us to come to Him; he introduces himself to us as a Refuge and Fortress. With this assurance, why not come to Him? Why not take Him at His Word? If you have tried all other options and failed, why not try God? His peace is the calm we need in this world of chaos. Where His Word reigns, fear has no place. Because God has said it, the future of all who believe and take Him at His Word is settled. Would I trust God with my life then? He waits for us to come to Him. God's time of favour is here.
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