Peace During the Storm

John 14:27. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled neither let them be afraid.”

Photo by Sandra L. Sheridan

Recently while taking a walk in the gorge near our house I was able to capture on camera a cool picture of a heron peacefully resting by the raging water rushing by. The heron never moved. It just calmly stood by the flowing water as if it did not have a care in the world. What a way to live life!

Jesus was getting ready to leave His disciples and go back to heaven. Some of His final words to them were, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled neither let them be afraid.” 

The funny thing about these words was their timing. Jesus knew His disciples were just about to enter one of the greatest storms of their lives. In a matter of days His followers would witness Judas’ betrayal, experience Jesus’ arrest, endure a mock trial, and grieve over their Master’s crucifixion and burial. It was at the onset of these terrifying times that Jesus spoke His words about peace.

Though His friends had no idea of the details of what lay ahead, they also did not understand fully the final result. All the horror that they were to experience would lead to the salvation of their souls as Christ voluntarily gave up His life to take the payment for their sins. In going to His Father, Christ also promised to send a Comforter to them. This Comforter, the Holy Spirit, would dwell within them giving them the power to do the work of spreading the salvation message that God commissioned them to do.

After Christ’s resurrection joy filled their hearts, but life did not get easier. As they went into all the world to preach the gospel they were met with many angry men and women who treated them terribly. Many were beaten, thrown in prison, and left for dead. The storms of life raged as others were shipwrecked, bitten by poisonous snakes, and murdered for the sake of the message.

Through the whirlwind of persecution these same individuals were able to sleep peacefully, sing in prison, and fearlessly proclaim the truth to all they met. They experienced a calm in the midst of the storm because they knew to Whom they belonged. They trusted the God who told them not to be troubled or afraid in the midst of difficulty. His hand was upon them and they knew they had eternal life that lasted beyond the worst they could experience here. They believed their Savior would come again one day to take them to His Father’s mansion where they would live with Him forever.

Jesus never promises His followers an easy life. In fact, He warns us in His word that we will experience trials and storms throughout our days on earth. Yet His gift of peace is also the same. When life becomes a raging river, don’t fear being swept away. Remember the heron. Don’t be troubled or afraid. Stay calm and let the water rush by. Your life is safely in the hands of Jesus.

Love,

Mama