“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.””
John 16:33 NLT
Hi Positioned family, and thank you for joining us for this week’s blog! Today, we are talking about a personal gift from Jesus Christ; something He assured us the world cannot take away. He promised us peace, and through His work, He brought that peace into our lives. I know that when we speak about peace, some might assume we don’t face troubles, trials, or challenges, but we do. Remember, this world is not our home; Christ gave us His peace so that we can remain calm in the midst of any storm. James 1:2-3, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” It is through these moments that our faith is truly strengthened.
In the absence of peace, our faith can quickly turn into fear. Instead, we remain hopeful and filled with faith because we carry the gift of peace within us. We don’t have peace because we can see the outcome, but because we trust in the one who leads us. Have you ever been a passenger in a car with someone you trust? On a long drive, you might even fall asleep while they drive. But if the driver is someone you don’t fully trust, you’ll hardly close your eyes. You stay fixed on the road, alert to every potholes or hazard. Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could have that same trust in the Lord; trusting Him to the point of resting, allowing Him to do exactly what He promised? Often, we try to control our situations just so we can predict the outcome. But if you are fueled by anxiety and worry, what results do you truly expect? The output of any process will always match the input.
This is why Jesus constantly reminded His followers to have faith rather than fear; He knew that supernatural results require faith. It is faith that moves Heaven. While God sees our tears and hears our complaints, it is our faith that pleases Him. We might not always understand the path, but our peace demonstrates a confidence in Him.
I also see peace as a seal; like a ring Jesus Christ has placed on us, His bride, so the world knows exactly whose we are. When peace surrounds you, it is evident to everyone around you. Even when walking through trials, there is a tangible sense of peace hovering over you. The Shunammite woman understood this deeply. When the reality of her situation looked nothing like what God had promised, she set out on a journey. As she traveled, many asked about her wellbeing, her husband, and her son. To every person who asked, her response was simply: “All is well!” Peace had taken over her soul, mind, and body. We must remember that we are not in charge of our own lives; there is a God in Heaven who rules over all things. Instead of panicking, learn to run to Him. Run to Him with peace, so that you are quiet enough to hear Him when He speaks.
In Acts 12, we see Peter in prison awaiting trial. While his fate was being decided, the church met and prayed earnestly for him. Even though he was surrounded by guards, Peter was so at peace that he fell fast asleep. While the church continued in prayer, an angel appeared and told him to wake up. I believe the peace within Peter allowed him to hear clearly and act accordingly. From the moment he woke up, his focus was entirely on the angel’s instructions. His mind was so fixed on the Heavenly guidance that he didn’t even acknowledge the guards or the locked gates. This composure allowed his faith to take the lead; when he was told to walk past soldiers or push through gates, he did so without question! It was only after the angel led him out and departed that Peter realized it wasn’t a dream. He said to himself, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen”; Acts 12:11. What felt like a dream was actually his new reality. Because of peace, he was able to follow through with precision; no mistakes, no hesitation. His safe return became a powerful testimony to his congregation. Imagine how their faith increased at this answered prayer!
Remember, there are people praying for you, too. Sometimes the friction you feel is actually the force of people warring for you in the spirit. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you into the places God has prepared. With peace, walk through those walls, and when required, push those doors open.
Sometimes chaos looks like a restless ocean; other times, it looks like the private, troubling thoughts that no one else can see. Isaiah 26:3 tells us that God keeps in perfect peace those whose minds are stayed on Him. So, if your mind is troubled, fix your gaze on Jesus. Read the Word of God, pray, and worship more. You may need to isolate yourself from people at times, but never isolate yourself from the Master. He is for you, and He will never leave you.
When the disciples were unsettled by the waves and the wind, Jesus woke up and commanded peace and calm over the ocean. I love how sometimes Christ speaks directly to the situation, while on other occasions, He runs to us first. Do you see how much He loves us? He would never allow a situation to drown you or have its way with you; you belong to Him, which is why He gave us His perfect peace. If you feel like the boat is sinking, or you are sinking, I have come to tell you that God is still in control. Peace, be still!
You will finish this race; peace, be still. You will get that job, your family will be restored, and your healing is here. Every promise is “Yes” and “Amen” in Him; so peace, be still.
When Jesus declared this to the sea, the Bible says the wind ceased immediately, and there was a great calm. This Word comes with power and results, so expect your peace. Nothing in this world can have its way with you because you are the beloved of God! Refuse to let your mind wander; instead, allow the Holy Spirit to compose you so that everything about you and around you, reflects the peace of God. It is called Shalom; the peace that makes us whole, sound, complete, and calm. David said; “Even when your path takes me through the valley of deepest darkness, fear will never conquer me, for you already have! Your authority is my strength and my peace. The comfort of your love takes away my fear. I’ll never be lonely, for you are near.” Psalms 23:4 TPT.
If you are not feeling peace and there is a decision that must be made, allow others in. Seek out people who can pray with you and for you. Do not reach a point where you stop praying just because your mind or heart is unsettled. If you are struggling to hear instructions in this moment, invite others to join you; let them speak the Word over your life and help discern what God is saying.
Remember this;
- Christ gave us peace as a gift, and He assured us that the world could never give it to us. This peace is Heaven made.
- “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:7 NLT.
Let’s pray;
Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for the gift of peace; a peace that reminds us we belong to You. Lord, I join my faith with everyone reading this and declare that our minds are fixed on You alone. No trouble has the power to remove us from that truth. Father, I pray for those currently in the midst of storms; may they be renewed in strength. May Your peace clothe them and their confidence in God be fully restored. Amen.