"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." John 14:27
I sit here in peace. I am so grateful for God and His word and the life that He has given to me because of His Word. I am so happy because of God.
A few weeks ago, I received an email from someone close to me who is not a Christian. It was disturbing and hurtful to me. I have had many times over the past year when, after speaking with someone about something challenging, I have felt troubled initially. However, after going to God in prayer, I have found peace. The peace that He has given me has been from His Word. I see that His Word is a rock. Knowing what He says helps me to stand firm when people tell me things contrary to His Word. So, the comfort given to me are the scriptures He gave thousands of years ago such as:
Upon reading this last scripture, I realized that even in this day and age and in countries where freedom of religion is allowed, I still should be armed with the same attitude. We do not know what the future will bring, except the return of Christ. Our current freedoms may be taken away. I realized that I should also help my children to have the same mindset from their young age. I want my children to be prepared for anything, especially to stay faithful amidst persecution. Jesus says, "Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life." Revelation 2:10b. That is what I want! For myself, my family, and the whole world! These scriptures remind me of Jesus' encouragement in Matthew 6:19-24 about storing up your treasures in heaven and linking it to where your heart will be.
So, my peace does not come from things such as the luxuries or relationships or activities that the world believes will bring peace, but by following Him and obeying him. My peace during persecution comes from Jesus' words that He spoke long ago, saying that these things would happen, but that I will have a great reward in heaven, and I am blessed to be able to suffer for His name. There are many more scriptures that I have seen being alive and active because of the persecution and hardships that I have faced. It has made my faith and hope stronger. After Jesus told His disciples that the world will hate them because they hated Him first, in John 15:18-27, Jesus says, "All this I have told you so that you will not go astray." (John 16:1).
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:11-12
"But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed." 1 Peter 3:14
"But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." 1 Peter 3:15b-16
"Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God." 1 Peter 4:1-2
Upon reading this last scripture, I realized that even in this day and age and in countries where freedom of religion is allowed, I still should be armed with the same attitude. We do not know what the future will bring, except the return of Christ. Our current freedoms may be taken away. I realized that I should also help my children to have the same mindset from their young age. I want my children to be prepared for anything, especially to stay faithful amidst persecution. Jesus says, "Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life." Revelation 2:10b. That is what I want! For myself, my family, and the whole world! These scriptures remind me of Jesus' encouragement in Matthew 6:19-24 about storing up your treasures in heaven and linking it to where your heart will be.
So, my peace does not come from things such as the luxuries or relationships or activities that the world believes will bring peace, but by following Him and obeying him. My peace during persecution comes from Jesus' words that He spoke long ago, saying that these things would happen, but that I will have a great reward in heaven, and I am blessed to be able to suffer for His name. There are many more scriptures that I have seen being alive and active because of the persecution and hardships that I have faced. It has made my faith and hope stronger. After Jesus told His disciples that the world will hate them because they hated Him first, in John 15:18-27, Jesus says, "All this I have told you so that you will not go astray." (John 16:1).
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