IS PEACE POSSIBLE?

We are living in truly trying times. There are so many that have lost their jobs and the prospects of finding one of similar value is dim. While 9/11 is over a year ago, the real threat of terrorism has not gone away. We are dealing with the prospect of getting involved in a war that has uncertain consequences. We have a man or men who are murdering our citizens one at a time in the DC area. We continue to be plagued with such health problems as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and so much more. Have I sufficiently depressed you by now?

Let me interject some great news in the midst of all of the bad. Jesus said in John 14:27; "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." When the Lord uttered these words He was speaking to loved ones that would miss Him sorely as He returned to Heaven. He wanted, however, for His followers to know that even if He was not with them in person, they could have peace. Within a short time after the establishment of the church in Acts 2 we see that Christians suffered in many ways.

The Hebrew writer states in chapter 11 that some of the Christians were tortured, flogged, imprisoned, stoned, sawed in two and put to death by the sword. The apostle Paul speaks in II Corinthians 11 of his receiving 39 lashes on 5 occasions, 3 times beaten with rods, stoned once and more. Jesus will write to the church in Smyrna in Revelation 2 and tell them that some of them will be put in prison and suffer persecution.

How, in the middle of all of this could a Christian have peace? Well, we must think in spiritual rather than physical terms. Surely no one would be at peace as their back is being laid open or they or a loved one is being tortured. Today how can I be at peace when I just lost my job or a loved one has died? The answer is in a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. You see, I realize that He is going to see me through my trouble and that ultimately Heaven will be my home. That knowledge does not decrease my physical pain but it gives me peace in knowing that my problem is not an eternal one.

My mother died in 1965 when I was 15 years of age. She suffered with cancer and endured a great deal of pain. She was, however, a faithful child of God so for the past 37 years she has not had a single ache, pain or trouble. In this life she was able to handle cancer with peace because she knew that her Savior would see her through. I don’t want to appear flippant because I am aware that when you go through a trial, the concept of fun cannot be found. I also realize, however, that with Jesus as my Lord I can have peace in the midst of my trial.