The Prince of Peace Has Comeنموونە

Peace in the Wilderness

Do you feel like you’re in the wilderness? You are not alone. The Bible has countless stories of people who found themselves in the wilderness, for one reason or another. Abraham traveled through the wilderness to get to the Promised Land. Hagar fled to the wilderness to escape her mistress’ cruelty. Moses, afraid he’d be killed for the crime he’d committed, fled to the wilderness. Later, he encountered God there. The people of Israel spent 40 years there. Jesus spent 40 days there. David spent time in and out of the wilderness, sometimes fleeing and sometimes hiding.

Maybe you think you belong there. Your life was never easy. You were never near paradise. You struggled, or you’re struggling now. It’s hard to find refreshment, food, shade, or shelter in the wilderness. It’s hard to find safety, forgiveness, friendship, or peace.

Did you know the wilderness is the very place that God goes to look for you?

John cried out, “In the wilderness, prepare the way of the Lord….” Whatever wilderness you may be in, get ready, because the Prince of Peace has come! In Luke 2:14, the peace that Jesus is was announced by the angel, accompanied by a multitude of the heavenly host: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

God cares for you. He came to look for you in the wilderness. It doesn’t matter how lost or abandoned or unworthy you might feel. Get ready, because Jesus, the Prince of Peace, has come! He came to give you peace. His peace is peace that lasts. It is special. This is how He described it: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

You have nothing to fear, and everything to gain. Even in the wilderness, you can receive the Prince of Peace and His precious gifts and promises. He said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Are you ready for the Prince of Peace?