“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 NIV
It’s spring! Spring is an interesting time of year for us as skiers/snowboarders. The days get sunnier and warmer, resorts throw end-of-the-season parties, seasonal employees we have befriended begin to leave and we get to watch others attempt the always entertaining slosh pit! Although we are sad about resorts beginning to close (especially those of us in the Midwest/Lower East who only got a two-and-a-half-month season☹) we get to look forward to the beauty of spring.
This year, spring brings new challenges as both the COVID-19 and fear spread across the country. Although it is still too early to know what the results of this virus will be, many of us have already been affected. Currently, in Ohio, schools are closed, no events over 100 people are allowed to occur, and essential groceries and household items can be difficult to get a hold of…if you’re even willing to brave the stores!
Jesus needs to be our source of peace. We are feeling so much uncertainty. There are large scale shutdowns of everything from schools to sporting events. A very real sense of fear is being felt by many. Peace sometimes seems like it’s hanging out on the moon, completely out of our reach. Thankfully, Jesus left HIS peace with us (can you imagine how much peace the guy who controls EVERYTHING feels??). When Jesus gives us anything, it’s perfect.
I pray we find God’s perfect peace during these times of uncertainty. Let me remind you of the second half of John 14:27 “…Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” I pray against fear and that we would trust God to take away our troubles. No matter how the Coronavirus impacts your lives, know Jesus is in complete control and left us with perfect peace to combat the peace the world gives us.
CHALLENGE
– Are you troubled or afraid of anything right now?
– If Jesus were doing everyday life with you right now, and told you he was completely peaceful about everything happening, would you believe Him and find peace yourself?
– If you know Jesus brings peace, who else can you share this peace with?
By Ben Palsha | Northfield, OH