We tell ourselves, I will be at peace when …
- I get that new job.
- I pay off my debt.
- The kids are thru school.
Too often we buckle to the myth that we will experience peace when a challenging situation is resolved. Satan has us so confused.
Paul shared these words in Philippians 4:7 (NIV): And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
My coworker Eric was recently diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. I’ve observed these past couple weeks that he has fully claimed this Philippians 4:7 peace. Blows me away! Also has blown away everyone who knows him or hears his story. Eric is minute by minute claiming Abba’s peace and joy; from the moment of his devastating diagnosis, to the vulnerability of dangerous brain surgery, to the pending reality of chemotherapy and radiation. How countercultural is Eric’s peace and joy?!
Again Paul noted this in Philippians 4:9 (NIV): 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.
Eric is fully tapping into God’s reservoir of peace that he’s learned as a Jesus follower over the years is available to him as Jesus’ apprentice. What if we also claim this type of God-engaged peace? What if we choose to dialogue with God over every thought, every anxiety, every disappointment that makes up our day?
Brothers, let’s claim this Philippians 4 peace as we walk together in community. God will bless this active faith. He will provide us peace beyond our comprehension. Eric is a beautiful, tangible, present example of this peace.