Dear Friend,
The word peace gets used a lot, but we often misunderstand its real meaning. In the Middle East, peace stands for something more like a truce bringing a temporary reprieve from war. To a young mother, it could stand for that hour when the toddlers take their naps.
Peace means different things to different people.
The peace Jesus offers is like no other. His peace produces internal calm in the midst of external chaos. We experience His peace when we trade in our fears of the storm for a healthy fear and reverence of Him. When we shift our gaze from the sea to the Savior, peace ensues.
Paul tells us to respond to God’s peace the same way the storm responded to Jesus that night on the Sea of Galilee. “And let the peace of the Messiah…control your hearts” (Colossians 3:15, HCSB). The Greek word used for control means “to umpire.” We all know what an umpire does. He declares the way things are. Whatever he says it is—a ball, a strike, an out or a run—that’s what it is.
Likewise, whatever Jesus says about a matter, that’s what it is. It’s settled. So when He says
"Be courageous! I have conquered the world." (John 16:33, HCSB), it's settled, and we should respond accordingly—with courage.
Your world may be falling apart, but you don’t have to fall apart with it.
You can’t always control what happens to you or into what storms you may fly into, but you do have control over how you respond. Responding to Jesus’ presence and power in your life allows you to let go of your fear and replace it with peace—His peace.
It doesn’t mean you won’t have problems, but it does mean your problems won’t have you.
Relationships may falter. Jobs may cease. Health may decline. The economy could continue to dip and turn. But Jesus says, “Silence! Be still!” You can rest comfortably on your cushion, because He’s got you in His hands.
I want you to fully grasp what you gain by accessing the authority of Christ in your life. That’s why we are offering you the entire CD series, The Authority of Christ, this month for a gift of any amount to help us stay on the radio and television stations broadcasting God’s Word. And because this subject is so important, we are also including the DVD Bible Study & Study Guide: Like No Other. My prayer is that you will find both series a rich blessing in your daily life. As always, your generosity is greatly appreciated, and you have my sincerest thanks.
For the King and His kingdom,
Why We Do What We Do
“Dr. Evans,
I heard you on the radio talking about how God takes us through detours on the way to our destiny. It was almost like God had been listening to my heart's cry and answered it before I even had words to articulate it. Thank you so much for your passion for the Word." - Denise
