OK, so we have made it through the trial. We have been in the fire of affliction and have come out and we didn’t even smell like smoke. Then comes the peace. Peace that started when we were in the furnace. Peace that makes absolutely no sense. Just knowing that God was with us in that furnace and we were not alone made all the difference. We surrendered to His will and His way in the furnace – or in the desert – or in the pit – or at the end of the land with an ocean in front of us. Hallelujah – we made it. But now what?
Have you ever felt this way? I think I am so used to chaos and things going wrong that I have to admit – peace is a bit unnerving. It is so quiet! Now I am not complaining – I rather like it quiet. I have given myself permission to move out of the past and into my promised land and it’s rather exciting. There is a world of opportunities awaiting us and I’m not really sure what to do next. Lead us Lord – don’t stop now!
God’s Word for You:
Peace and Hope
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:-8 NIV)
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Phillipians 4:4-9 NIV)
My Prayer for You:
Dear Lord,
Thank you – for meeting us in the fire of affliction and leading us out. Thank you that just by Your presence things change. Thank you for this new peace – we know it is a gift from you. Let us relax and just relish it – as you are still right here with us. Thank you, that for today, we can just ‘be’ here with You.
