“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
One of the misconceptions among believers is the idea that peace means our life should be comfortable. We often assume that if God is leading us, the road will be smooth, the decisions painless, and the cost minimal. But Jesus NEVER defined peace that way. Jesus plainly warned that following Him would include hardship: “In the world you will have tribulation,” and “you will be hated by all for My name’s sake.” (John 16:33; Matthew 10:22) Trials are unavoidable because we are in spiritual warfare. And here’s a caveat: If our trouble seems to be all about petty strife and temporal struggles, then we should be very concerned. The enemy may have us sidelined arguing about who stole our toothbrush instead of out on the battlefield fighting for the eternal destiny of our neighborhood.
Jesus promised us His peace when we are fighting HIS battles; not when we are sidelined by our own.
Walking the path of peace does not mean we are spared from trouble or pain; rather it means we are not ruled by them. We cannot confuse peace with the absence of trouble. Jesus does not remove all suffering, but He gives suffering meaning. It often increases our opportunity to glorify Him.
Peace is not found by escaping hardship, but in knowing we can endure it for a higher purpose. We can walk with Jesus who endured the cross for us. But this requires constant growth in our understanding of truth. If our peace is anchored in our circumstances, we will never, in fact, possess it. But God’s truth anchors us in peace because it comes from Him and He never changes.
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3
God’s Word gives us a worldview that keeps us intellectually honest so we both recognize and withstand the lies of the enemy. Truth gives us courage because we know when we are living in it, our life is in the hands of Almighty God.
“Do not be afraid nor dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Walking the path of peace requires us to discipline ourselves to do hard things. We must study God’s Word, commit to a church and serve, and pray without ceasing. We live on a battlefield ravaged and torn by sin. People around us are going to hell. We need to share the Gospel so they can be saved from eternal separation from God. When we are born again, we own the well of peace. My friend, our peace cost Jesus everything. The peace of others is entrusted to us. We MUST take seriously our Great Commission from Jesus:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
When our life is lived for God’s glory and for His purpose, He gives us peace in every storm.
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
God’s peace is not the absence of war. Not now. Someday we will have peace without war. But for now, we have the greatest opportunity of all the ages—to bring Him glory for eternity. Our hardships magnify our opportunity to glorify Him. We can walk with God and nothing can change our course when we’re with Him!
“Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.” Psalm 119:165
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You that Your peace is not fragile or dependent on circumstances. Help me to trust You when the path is hard and to obey You when obedience is costly. Keep my mind anchored in Your truth and my heart confident in Your presence. Teach me to walk the path of peace—not around difficulty, but through it—with courage, humility, and faith. I place the outcomes in Your hands and rest in the peace that only You can give. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
