Jewels From JohnExemple

Peace That Prevails 

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27 (NKJV)

Many have the misunderstanding that when they come to Jesus, life will transform into a bed of roses, but the truth of the matter is, the life that Jesus invites us to is not a cushy one. The reason is, we live in a fallen world, and so the consequences of sin and the fall are many; that is why there is so much of poverty, pain, suffering, sickness and death. Being part of this system, then, makes us also vulnerable to all of the above. 

Moreover, when Jesus called people to follow Him and be His disciples, He was categorical that those who came after Him were most assuredly going down the hard, and narrow way that Jesus walked. Jesus never painted a rosy picture for His disciples but here’s what He assured them, “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

So what is it that Jesus offers that far outweighs all the trials, and hardships one faces in this world? He offers a peace that no one else in this world can give. It’s a peace that can calm and soothe our hearts, remove all fears and anxieties even in the midst of all the confusion in and around us. It’s the greatest assurance that, since Jesus has overcome the world, if we allow Him to live and reign within us, we too can be overcomers. 

The next time we are faced with those issues in relationships, stress at work, financial crisis, health issues, death of a loved one, environmental concerns, political unrest, global uncertainties, and anything else that can disturb our peace, let’s go to the Lord who can fill our hearts with His divine peace. Someone said it beautifully, ‘Peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of Christ’

There’s also an important word of exhortation by Paul in Romans 12:18, “Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody.” (GNT). Let us make it our resolve to be those channels of peace wherever we are. 

Here’s an amazing promise from the Lord in Isaiah 54:10, “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” (NIV)