I Choose PeaceSample

Choosing Peace in Tests of Faith

The way to have peace can be very counterintuitive. We receive peace by giving to others. But you might think, “If I give it all, then who is going to take care of me?” 

Paul addresses that in Philippians 4:19: 

“My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.”

This is the promise of God’s provision. If you will trust Him, and live out radical compassion and generosity, God will make sure you have what you need. He’ll take care of you. You will have peace.

But you never know where your heart and values really lie until they are tested. Do you truly believe God will provide? Are you willing to put everything on the line and trust Him?

God wants sons and daughters who love Him and express it by trusting Him enough to obey because they know He is good and always has their best in mind. God longs for His children to take steps of faith in the midst of difficulties so He can bless them. 

We started out looking for peace. We have ended with provision. Why? Because our uncertainty about the future, our concern for our own well-being, and our desire to have all our needs met are very often the root of our lack of peace. 

When we aim for coming into God’s shalom, we can find a place of peace where we resolve conflicts with others, get free from our anxieties, find contentment in difficulties, develop compassion and generosity, and overcome the temptations of greed. But none of that happens without taking intentional steps of faith. We can’t just agree that they are good principles. We have to apply them. We have to choose, moment-by-moment, to walk in peace. 

Remember, you already have the peace Jesus gave you. The Prince of Peace laid down His life so you might be able to walk in the peace He brings. It’s a priceless gift. Face every crisis, every difficulty, every challenge of life with a profound, life-changing statement that gratefully receives, embraces, and enjoys that gift: I choose peace.

To purchase a copy of I Choose Peace: How to Quiet Your Heart in an Anxious World by Chip Ingram, click or tap here.