It’s quite remarkable to consider.
There was no guarantee of an easy pathway. On the contrary, there is every likelihood of resistance and opposition. No promise of going through without harm. On the contrary, many would die in brutal and painful circumstances and even before that endure shame, disgrace, betrayal, imprisonment and beatings.
That does not sound like the sort of thing that would be reason to be joyful.
Yet there is a gift given in it all that makes the world of a difference.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
John 14:27
It’s great to hear words of reassurance that acknowledges what we’re likely to do otherwise. We’re likely to retreat out of fear. We’re bound to be inhibited by anxiety. We are not likely to make any progress out of genuine concern for the quality of life we will experience.
The word of reassurance then is to embrace this unique peace. This peace that cannot be copied and counterfeited by the world. This peace that assures you that you are loved by the Father and are loved by the Son and are recipients of the Holy Spirit that makes us all one. This kind of peace may not change the immediate circumstances, but it does woders to our approach and temperament in the circumstances.
The right relationship with God and the harmony that flows as recipients of His grace and mercy is ever available to keep us in a state of perfect peace. That’s amazing for others to fathom when other efforts at peace come nowhere close to such an expression of cohesion and harmony. It’s also something to behold in the context of affliction.
We need not be afraid or anxious. We have that which Jesus was delighted to leave as a gift for all who follow Him.
We have His peace.
That’s quite remarkable to consider.
(Photo by Stefan Pflaum on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 