John 14:27 AMP
[27] Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]
There is a provision that comes from God that the world can neither explain or understand. There is a peace that is possible, called perfect peace, that only the perfect God can give. A man can only give you something, and also sustain that which he has or can control. That is the reason why the verse above refers to it as "my perfect peace". It is only in and by God that this version of peace is available or possible. The context in which the words above was also pronounced also matters to us today. The disciples of Jesus had seen Him perform mighty miracles; the dead had been raised to life, the blind and lame healed and the possessed by demons also delivered from oppression. This same Jesus who seemed untouchable, was now saying that he would be arrested like a common criminal and put to death in a shameful way. It was a bit too much for the disciples to handle.
Jesus had to encourage them to trust him even in the dark and uncertain moments of their lives. He made a clear distinction between the way the world works and the way He works. The world will give you something that looks good, but it will also include some problems that will make it impossible to enjoy that which it had given you. The peace the world promises is elusive; you will have to pay a high price, or give up something precious, in order to enjoy a semblance of normalcy by the world's standards. Men have built high walls and fences in order to guarantee safety and security; men had thought up all sorts of schemes in order to secure a semblance of peace, but it has to be noted that the world cannot secure for you what it does not own or control. There is a reason why Jesus is called the Prince of Peace. He is the source, as well as the sustainer of the right kind of peace, the version that reveals who God is. Do you know or have this God?
It is important to also note that the peace that Jesus promises here is not the absence of pressure or tough times, but the assurance that all is well, simply because of the Presenc of God. The same chapter from which the verse above is taken makes it clear that in this world, we will surely have tribulations, but it goes on to assure us that if we have Him, we should be of good cheer, as He has already overcome the world, and all who are in Him also enjoy the same victory. That is why the verse above can charge us not to allow our hearts be troubled, nor be afraid. In the midst of the storm, God speaks. In the face of contrary winds, God provides the strength and courage needed to face whatever comes. I have a duty to allow the peace of God do His work in me. He has given it to me free of charge, if I will accept it by giving my life to Him willingly. Would you allow Him work? God's time of favour is here.
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