Following Jesus Gives Individuals Peace
OPENING PRAYER:
Lord, help me realize you are with me no matter what the crisis. Amen
“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 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 14:25 -27 NIV
REFLECT:
Several years ago, I went in for my annual dermatology exam. I knew there was a strong possibility that skin cancer might be found because of my family history. The PA removed a patch from my face and sent it in for analysis. I left not thinking there would be any major problem. A week or so later I got the call from the dermatologist’s office that the finding was melanoma and I needed to schedule surgery to have it removed. What a blow! I felt like I had taken a punch to the stomach. Skin cancer is one thing, but melanoma is another. The pathology report came back from the surgical removal that it was stage 0 and had not moved beneath the skin.
A year later the dermatologist removed two more patches that were determined to be stage 0 melanoma, but I could handle these much more peacefully because of my earlier experience. I could truly say what Paul said in Philippians 4:4-7, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Jesus had sent his Advocate, the Holy Spirit, to comfort me and give me peace.
APPLY:
I recently heard an individual say he decided to taste individually all the ingredients as he mixed a chocolate cake. All were bitter, slimy or otherwise repulsive but when he sampled the finished product it was delicious. Life is like that. We are going to experience many ups and downs but when we rely on Jesus and his advocate, we can experience the sweetness of his peace that the world will not understand.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, help me remember to look to you first, when I face a crisis. Amen
CONTINUED READING:
John 16:33, Psalm 29:11, Isaiah 26:3
WORSHIP: