Finding Peace

Come What May

This afternoon God used a friend to confirm a thought I had been contemplating on my drive home from Virginia.   When I arrived home, I saw her text, a quote of Thomas More, literally sent during the time I’d been wondering over the exact topic:

                           

In the car, I had been thinking of something I blurted out several months ago, in a time of anguish I ranted, “Everything in my adult life has been by default!  I’ve lived where I’ve lived, I live where I live because I had to move elsewhere due to changes in other people's lives and this was all I could afford.  All my transfers were placed by the director.  How do I end up here, like this, time and time again?  When do I get to decide, have a say, choose?”  I ended that plea where it always ends, questioning when I do get to live in peace. 

In the car, I began to think on many instances in God’s Word that tell us God has a plan, God knew each of our days before we lived the first, and that in this world we will have suffering because of His Son, Jesus.  My curiosity led me to wonder what commonality existed in those Truths.

In our humanity, we follow the Israelites inability to look beyond the physical world.  We forget the spiritual side of our lives!   The peace I want immediately would require my neighbors to be respectful and turn everything down and keep it down, all the time, while the other neighbors manage their two pit bull dogs between the hours of 2 AM-5 AM and any other time I wish to enjoy my garden, I would not be bullied and battered at work, my yard would not be used as an ashtray….the list goes on.  These are very concerning issues; but, if all those things happened would it ensure I have peace in the sense I am seeking?  Not a chance.  I am not called nor created to live in isolation, in a self-made bubble.  Speaking in opposition of my neighbors, I state how I would love to live in the manner I wish.  I believe I can’t because I’m being deprived of “peace”.  In those moments, a concept I know, became real.  I have something far more valuable than lack of noise or removal of threats and aggression.  I have the Prince of Peace as my Savior, an assurance that no matter what comes my way, all is well because in God’s will there is safety in knowing even in the worst of times, as Thomas More claims, it 'will be the best' because what God orchestrates cannot return void, will not harm and is always perfect.

I’ve recently ended the most emotionally challenging school year of my career. I put a plan in place to “retire” from my field.  I achieved a duel certification status, I submitted a transfer request, I interviewed; however, I placed the decision in God’s will.  I have done all I can do by making myself available to walk through an open door, trusting Him with the outcome.  He will move me or He will continue to sustain me where I am.  Two weeks into summer, two days before my pilgrimage, I recognize I will most likely return to the same position, same circumstances, with additional challenges.  Frightening as that is, I have an explainable calm about that prospect.  I explain it as God.  It is simply God.  He may not rescue; but, He is always at work.  He will guide, He will sustain.  He will. 

Somewhere along the way I realized when the time comes, I’m going to trust and obey God, so I might as well stop kicking and screaming as I go with His plan!  It is my hope, no matter where He places me next year, as I pursue Him with a more willing heart, I will feel less depleted and more able to praise Him in all things for I’ve come to know Paul’s charge to believers in “rejoicing in all things” for I have seen in my own life just how sufficient God’s grace really is.  It is enough, it is enough. 

I have a peace in knowing that no matter how bad it has become or how worse it may get, I can never ever fall from my Father God’s hand.  I’ve discovered, through experience, there is a vast difference between falling in His hand and falling out of His hand.  I will rejoice in all things, the good and the bad, the fair and the unfair because in understanding my Lord’s plan is not to make it easy for me, it is to continually change my heart towards Him, strengthen my joy, teach me to find calm in storms, and instill an untouchable hope within my heart.  I do not enjoy the suffering, but I rejoice in all these things because it is Him I love and my desire to bring glory and honor to His great name is greater than my wanting some quiet this side of Heaven.  Besides, that mansion He says He is preparing?  There is no need for ear plugs or sound proofing.  That, I can hold out for!  Until then, I “get to live” in an overwhelming peace that overcomes anything this world can dish out, grateful for His many provisions.  What kind of peace are you searching for?  Let us find the One and only lasting Peace that calms and sustains us through the gracious love of Jesus Christ which glorifies and honors our Heavenly Father!

PRAY, CONSIDER, RECEIVE, SHARE 

             Please PRAY for others who are struggling with emotional difficulties that impede upon an ability to function day to day.  We are living in a careless society and need to remember walk with pleasantness and favor for people we interact with day to day.  So many people are hurting on the inside barely going through the motions in daily living.  If you are hurting, let a trusted someone know!  If someone comes to you, lend a reflective ear, pray and support him or her.  Let us not cease from praying for one another (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).  Pray the work of the Holy Spirit for strength and courage to be steadfast in the faith.  Jesus promised to intercede when the devil comes to devour, deceive and destroy.  Join Him by praying without ceasing for one another.  Jesus Christ is the only Way to finding peace in all situations we will find our lives in.  That is something to rejoice in!

            Pray that the hearts of people turn towards Christ and be guided by the Holy Spirit.  The world has become more uncertain than ever.  Matthew 24:6 repeats the words of Christ that tells us in the end times we will hear talk of war and rumors of war.  He goes on to say that we are not to be troubled because these things must come to pass.  People go about their daily lives without assurance, searching for comfort in a world that cannot possibly provide it.  We live in a country where churches sit on every corner.  Lexington Park alone has nearly two dozen churches.  Bibles are sold openly and given freely.  We can pray in public establishments and speak the name of Jesus without fear of persecution.  Let us not take that for granted but use such liberty to live out the gospel to those around us.  Opportunity to know Christ and His word is everywhere.   Opportunity to grow deeper in faith is everywhere. 

            For those in Christ, our confidence comes from knowing God’s redemption plan restores us back to Him.  It is there we find ultimate peace in knowing Jesus brings salvation to all who will receive.   Jesus is the Way, the Truth and Life.  Only He can reconcile our hearts back to God.  Seek the Way.  Learn of Truth.  Choose Life.   Please PRAY that people develop a hunger and thirst to know more of Jesus.  Pray hearts open to hear the Good News of God's plan to reconcile all creation back to Him through His Son Jesus Christ.  Pray for spiritual growth with the people of America, that they embrace their faith in Jesus, fully trusting in Him.  Pray that those in Christ boldly live out their faith for others to see, a living witness to God’s grace and mercy.  May we all not just believe in Jesus, but believe Him.

            Please CONSIDER giving, through donations or volunteer service locally within your own community, fulfilling the Great Commission through service to the poor and neglected people of our country and other regions worldwide.   One of the most rewarding ways to served God is through service to people He loves.  When we get our eyes off ourselves, we are able to see His handiwork all around us and within our own lives.

            RECEIVE the Lord's eternal blessing for your partnership in whichever manner He guides you in. 

            Please SHARE this blog with anyone you know who is interested in supporting and/or partnering in mission’s work, locally or globally. 

PRAYER REQUESTS

Pray for individual people.  People you know, people you are acquainted with, people you pass by everyday, people you've never see before. 

Pray for society.  Your neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, teams, clubs, businesses within your community.  Just think, if everyone reading this prays, local populations in nine states and three countries would receive prayer individuals and communities! 

Pray that we would reach out beyond our selves to reach into the hearts of hurting people around us, building relationships that live out the gospel of Jesus Christ.