Peace is not the absence of trouble in a storm. True peace is knowing the presence of God in the storm!
There is a Gift We Need to Open & Use
Everyone hopes to “go the distance” and to not allow tiredness and stress to control them or cause them to quit something God has called them to prematurely. To empower us in the face of difficulty, God has given us a gift. In John 14:27 (NLT) the Bible clearly states that Jesus has given us a very important gift to open up and use: “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So, don’t be troubled or afraid.”
The Most Powerful Weapon to Use
Did you know that the peace of God is the most powerful weapon we have against the attacks of life and the attacks of the devil? Without peace, we can become a quivering mess very quickly. A lack of peace robs us of so many things, including sleep and making good positive decisions. Paul says it like this: “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:7 (NKJV). We have a guard standing at the gate of our minds and our hearts, and that’s His peace.
There Are No Limits to God’s Peace
Did you know that His peace is inexhaustible because He is the Lord of peace? In 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NJKV) it states, “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.” As the Lord of Divine Peace, He gives it to those who ask, always, and in every way. In other words, there are no limits to how He can give you His peace. Just think on that one!
There is a Solution to Every Situation – Just Ask!
How do we cooperate with the peace He is trying to get to us? You can control what goes on in your mind by filling it with God’s Word! I’m not just referring to the Word you just read on a casual basis, but the Word you meditate on, process mentally, and gain revelation on in your heart. This interaction between you and His Spirit is what changes you and your outcome. It can take a little time to develop this as a reflexive response. Therefore if you don’t have a personal Scripture for your current situation, then pray for one! It may come from Him speaking to you directly, from someone coming to you and giving you a Scripture, or even via a daily devotional. However, when this personal word comes, then embrace it and be thankful that God has heard your prayer and has provided you with an answer.
Where Are You Positioned in the Boat?
This way of facing challenges can become part of your new nature. Soon you will be applying this to each situation as it arises. You will find yourself standing on it in times of need because you know it’s your right to have the peace Jesus promised you. Did you know that Jesus lovingly corrected His disciples because they lost their peace of mind during a storm? Notice that He didn’t lose His! He was asleep in the back of the boat (Mark 4: 38). So where are you today? Resting in peace with Jesus in the back of the boat, or panicking with fatigue and stress up front like the others?
Worry and stress can overwhelm you when you forget two things:
1) What the Lord has already told you. Jesus said, “Let us go over to the other side” (Mark 4:35 NIV). And once He spoke those words, there wasn’t a wave big enough that could sink them.
Anytime you’re doing what God has given you and told you to do, you may go through some stormy seas, but you won’t sink!
2) Who’s actually with you in the boat? The disciples thought they knew Jesus pretty well, but before the night was out they were asking, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” (Mark 4:41 NIV).
Do Not Get Distressed or Agitated
Has it ever occurred to you that the storm you’re in right now, God has already put a solution in place for you? You’re not alone, and through this experience you’ll come to know Him better. In the Amplified Bible the words of Jesus are translated like this: “Do not let your hearts be…distressed, agitated” (John 14:1).
Don’t Give Power to The Wrong Thing
In short, the only power tiredness, stress, or any other worry has over you is the power that you give it! Be encouraged. Your peace is with you in the boat.
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