The peace that God gives us is one that surpasses all understanding and guards our hearts and minds. It is an internal peace. God didn’t promise us a peaceful world. Actually, what He promised was quite different. He said we would have trouble, but in Him we have peace and He has overcome the world. (See John 16:33). We cannot have the peace that the world wants as that is external. Jesus Himself said that He did not come to bring peace to the world, but a sword. Thankfully, we are not of this world, and Jesus leaves with us a peace that stills our hearts and calms our souls in the middle of the turmoil around us.
Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful. John 14:27 NASB
In this world we will have all kinds of trials. If we are true followers of Christ not only will we face the challenges that come from wars and pandemics, but we are also targets of the enemy of our soul. The devil wants to steal, kill and destroy as he prowls around seeking who to devour. He is forever scheming to trick us to get us off God’s narrow path and lead us down a road of destruction, which leads to spiritual death and eternal separation from our Heavenly Father.
“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. Matthew 7:13-14 NLT
Not long ago after speaking to a few folks who say they were Christians, I felt so disappointed with my life. I wondered why their lives were so much easier and so much more fun than mine. Then shortly after God showed me the above Bible verses and that put everything into perspective. We may say we are Christians, but the life that follows Christ is one that is marked with suffering. It is not easy. It is a difficult road which many do not want to go on. Their choice is the broad road, even though they may go to church, read their Bible, and pray every day. They have chosen a life of ease, which will only lead to destruction.
A Christian who is seeking ease, really has to do a heart examination and see if he or she is truly following Jesus. Following Jesus requires us to take up our own cross and crucify the flesh. This is not natural and our flesh will fight to have its way. It will give us no peace. Nevertheless, conflict can be important if we confront it well as it can show us where we are in Christ and also reveal our true identity in Him. Handling conflict well can lead us to internal peace and we can rest assured that God gives perfect peace to those who trust Him. We must trust in God’s character knowing that He is working all things for good for those who love Him and are called to His purpose and that we are more than conquerors in Christ. We can be victorious over the flesh and walk by God’s Spirit. And we will have joy and peace as we overflow with His hope no matter what is coming against us.
But we have this treasure in earthen containers, so that the extraordinary greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying around in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 2 Corinthians 4:7-10 NASB
As Christians, we will be afflicted, perplexed, persecuted and struck down. The devil will try to make us have no peace, but unfortunately for him, our peace comes from within when we have the life of Christ. So, no matter what happens on the outside, God is inside of us, therefore, we can overcome every situation for His glory.
Are they servants of Christ? I know I sound like a madman, but I have served him far more! I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm. Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches. 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 NLT
Being a servant of the Prince of peace does not lead to a peaceful life. However, the Lord of peace will give us peace in whatever situation we face, and He is with us. (See 2 Thessalonians 3:16). Recently, I heard a pastor say, “Peace is not the absence of conflict, it is the presence of the Lord.” Whatever we are going through, let us stay in His presence to have His perfect peace.
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