A Gift to Those Who Follow Him

Do you want peace?

If you do, here’s a kernel of truth that should bring a great deal of encouragement to your heart. God is not only the source of peace, but He wants to give it to you through Jesus.

As you read today in John 14:27, Jesus doesn’t wish peace for us or even just hope it… He gives it.

The Lord doesn’t want your heart to be troubled. He doesn’t want you to be afraid. He wants you to keep your eyes fixed on Him and to walk with Him. He wants you to trust Him, to stop struggling, and be still knowing He's in control (Psalm 46:10).

His peace is a gift to those who follow Him.

It’s not a special prize that’s only given once a year to the cream of the crop. The Lord’s peace is not like that.

He offers it to anyone who will follow after, trust, and walk in the light with Him. God's peace isn’t wishy-washy either - it’s available in every circumstance.

As a pastor, I often speak with people who are going through some really difficult times. People who have lost loved ones and whose hearts are shattered. People who have experienced trauma and they’re struggling to make it through each day. People who are facing bankruptcy, divorce, and life-altering tragedies.

Maybe you are going through one of those life-altering times right now.

God has peace for you in this terribly challenging situation. As bad as your current circumstance might be right now, there is peace. There was peace in the fiery furnace for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. There was peace in the lion’s den for Daniel. There was peace in the prison for Peter as he awaited certain execution. When the angel came to deliver him (see Acts 12), Peter was asleep, deeply asleep.

Why?

Because he trusted the Lord and was experiencing His perfect peace.

In every circumstance, you can trust God and enjoy the peace of God.

If you’re a believer in Jesus and you’ve trusted Him as Savior and Lord, but you are worried and bothered about many things, bring your focus back to Him. Abide in Christ, and He will give you peace that goes beyond all human understanding.

The Lord wants you to keep your eyes fixed on Him and to walk with Him. He wants you to stop fretting and start resting in His promised provision.

If you will do it, you will be like Peter and experience a peace that surpasses comprehension, a peace that does not make sense to an unbelieving world.

God is the source of peace, and Jesus wants to give you His perfect peace as you follow Him and abide in Him.

1. What situation are you facing today that is trying to rob you of the peace Jesus wants to give you? Pray that God will help you focus on Him in that circumstance.

2. If you have never trusted in Jesus as your Savior and Lord, what is keeping you from doing so? Would you be willing today to trust in Jesus, to pray, and ask Him to give you His peace?