I don’t always demonstrate peace. Sometimes frustration gets the better of me when traffic, interruptions, unexpected problems, or life’s little inconveniences interfere with MY plans. Sadly, this isn’t a new problem.
The other night, while rummaging through some old boxes, I discovered my baby book and a collection of elementary school report cards. Unfolding my kindergarten progress report, I came across this observation from my teacher about five-year-old Eric: “He is contributing more to classroom discussion, but he still gets upset when his routine is disrupted.”
I showed my wife and laughed. “That’s me TODAY!”
Apparently, I’ve been working on this problem for nearly forty years! Surely I’m the only Christian who struggles when life doesn’t go according to plan, right?
But there’s a tremendous difference between the peace we manufacture through favorable circumstances and the peace we receive from God.
When I was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy in 2006, my world was turned upside down. I was told there was no cure and that my physical abilities would progressively deteriorate. I was devastated. At times, I didn’t even want to live, and those thoughts only deepened my despair…my future looked grim.
I desperately needed God’s peace.
Living with a progressive disease is like sailing through a storm that never seems to end. The waves keep coming, the winds keep howling, and the vessel grows weaker. But I’ve learned something precious: The strength of my vessel matters far less than the presence of my Savior.
Remember the disciples struggling against the violent storm on the Sea of Galilee? Their boat was filling with water, their lives were in danger, and Jesus was sleeping peacefully in the stern. When they cried out, He arose, rebuked the wind, and commanded the sea, “Peace, be still!” (Mark 4:39).
Immediately, there was a great calm.
The astonished disciples wondered what manner of man could command even the wind and waves.
Well, gentlemen, He’s the Prince of Peace!
And here’s what I find remarkable: Jesus was at peace BEFORE He calmed the storm. His peace wasn’t dependent upon calm seas. His peace came from His perfect confidence in the Father.
That same Jesus promised, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you”(John 14:27).
Over the years, Christ has calmed countless storms within my heart, even while the storms around me continued raging. He has showered me with a million blessings of grace, sustaining me through disease, pain, disappointment, loss, and the uncertainties of an increasingly unpredictable and insane world.
Do I still get frustrated when my routine is disrupted? Absolutely. But I’m learning that peace isn’t found in having everything go MY way. It’s found in trusting the One who IS the Way.
Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Do you have that peace?
If you belong to Christ, remember how blessed you are. You possess something this world cannot manufacture: the indwelling Holy Spirit, our Comforter, and the assurance that your Savior will never abandon you.
If you don’t know Christ Jesus, seek Him with your whole heart. Turn to Christ for forgiveness and salvation, and discover the peace that comes from being reconciled to God. His ear is open for YOUR specific cry today. (Jeremiah 33:3)
The greatest peace isn’t knowing that your storm will end tomorrow. It’s knowing that the Prince of Peace is in your boat today.
