Seek peace and win the war

Peace seems to be one of the most elusive commodities of all when considering the worldwide pandemic and society’s response to it. Whether it’s the riots, COVID-19, governmental mandates, or shutdowns, the world seems to be unraveling. It’s difficult to find peace in these storms.

Are you having trouble finding peace in these storms? I have to admit I’ve struggled as well. It reminds me of the passage in the Bible that describes a horrible storm on the Sea of Galilee. Several disciples were experienced fishermen, but all of them were overcome with fear. They had no peace. But Jesus was sleeping in the midst of that storm. He had total peace. What was the difference? Faith! “Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?’” (Mark 4:38, NIV)

The disciples accused Jesus of not caring because He was at peace and they were freaking out. Many people in crisis are blaming God. It’s a common human trait to blame God for things that we can’t control. To tell you the truth, internal control is the secret to managing things we can’t control.

Peter tells us, “For whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.” (1 Peter 3:10-11, NIV)

Peace is so elusive that we need to pursue it. The only way to find internal peace is to look to God. So many things in life we cannot control. Storms come, conflicts come, but Jesus can step in and calm our storms. “Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39, NKJV)

Please notice that God is the only one who can calm all the storms of life. I’m convinced that finding peace will help you win the war of life. Paul the Apostle said, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12, NIV)

I’m praying you’ll hand over every circumstance to God and trust Him. May you find peace in spite of the instability of our world because Jesus is still Lord. You are a miracle.

Your friend, Paul Marc Goulet