Peacemaking 101Sample

AT PEACE WITH THE CIRCUMSTANCES

Just as we increase our frustration by trying to change people, we rob ourselves of peace when we kick and scream against our circumstances.

In 1 Samuel 1, we read the heart-breaking story of Hannah's struggle with infertility (1 Samuel 1). Year after year she was mocked and humiliated for not having children. There was nothing she could do to change it, but she was still tormented by the void in her heart. Until she found peace in God's promise by spending time in prayer. "'Don't think I am a wicked woman! For I have been praying out of great anguish and sorrow.' 'In that case,' Eli said, 'go in peace! May the God of Israel grant the request you have asked of him.' 'Oh, thank you, sir!' she exclaimed. Then she went back and began to eat again, and she was no longer sad" (1 Samuel 1:17-18, NLT).

Something happened while Hannah was bringing her anguish before the Lord. Her plans made way for God's purposes. While she yearned to have a child for all the natural reasons, she started to see the bigger picture. Her circumstances were not isolated from God's purposes for her and her children. And in that moment of trusting God, she found her peace.

What circumstances are robbing you of peace? Have you come to the end of trying one more thing to change them? You can find peace in Jesus!

"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world" (John 16:33, NLT)