Joy and Peace Through AdversitySample

The Peace of God 

We have peace in the midst of our circumstances because we operate from the eternal, even when we live on Earth. It is a peace that cannot be understood in the flesh or natural mind. 

Philippians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

It is a peace that goes beyond human understanding. It is a product of the mind of Christ in the midst of circumstances. It comes from the Spirit, ordering our deceitful flesh not to give in to the feelings of despair produced by a mind that wants to go crazy or extreme anguish that damages the heart. This peace guards what affects people in their hearts and minds through a crisis. 

In his letter, Paul advises the Philippians to put into practice whatever they have learned, received, or heard from him. By doing so, they will have the peace of God. They learned because Paul taught them what Jesus had taught him. It was not human teaching but one that came from Christ within him. They not only learned but also received it and implemented it. 

It is one thing to listen to a teaching, but it is another to profit from what you have heard. Listening is part of learning, which is why the teacher should not just be any person. We learn from the life of others. The dimensions of a person’s life are more important than the message. 

When Paul says whatever you heard and saw me do, that is a message that must be put into practice. It is a message which supports his way of living. It is a lifestyle that manifests the reality of a life in Christ and the Spirit—a lifestyle that must be witnessed with your very own eyes. I do not listen to anybody I have not seen. I do not believe in the message, but in the person, who brings the message and portrays Christ. 

Philippians 4:12 says, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and everything situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” 

The secret in the Spirit is that we can do everything in Christ who strengthens us. It is an expression of life. In Christ, we live in peace. 

This devotional is based on the preaching of Pastor Gerardo Cardenas.