Bread Bite: Gift of Peace
Continuing with our weekly words of encouragement, here is your Southern Cancer Center “Bread Bite” from Pastor Chad Price of Forest Hill Church of God in Mobile, AL.
Pastor Chad-
Today’s verse is found in John 14:27 (TPT), “I leave the gift of peace with you – my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts – instead, be courageous.”
Have you found that kind of peace today? Or are you in constant turmoil because your hopes and confidences are misplaced? Let me clarify, as this verse in the book of John indicates, there are two types of peace in this world. The first, a peace given to us by the world, by man. This type of peace is an unreliable peace because its source is fallible. It’s flawed. I know every one of you can attest to being let down or disappointed by loved ones or friends. Unfortunately, all of these people fall into the category of the human race and, as we know, the human race can be untrustworthy at times and not always intentionally! It’s just our nature to make mistakes and to make decisions that offend or incense our neighbors.
On the other hand, there is peace that is perfect. It “passes all understanding,” as the writer in Philippians says. (4:7) It is a peace given by God! It will not fail or disappoint and it always comes when we trust Him. The other remarkable thing is that it will come in times when the turmoil in our lives is the greatest. When we feel the greatest heartaches and sufferings. Isn’t that amazing? God’s peace is a peace that comes when it doesn’t make sense. I’m so thankful for that today! I want to encourage you to put your trust in the God of THAT peace. In Philippians 4:7 it goes on to say that this peace will go so far as to “guard your hearts and minds.” What a wonderful gift. Why don’t you try it and see for yourself?