The litmus test of true peace is NOT whether we have it in the good times; rather, it’s if we have it in the storms. If we want to have what the Bible calls the “peace that passes understanding,” we must spend time with the “Prince of Peace!” The Bible is clear about what kind of peace is offered to us through the gift of salvation:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6 NKJV
While the peace of God WILL guard our hearts and minds in any storm—being born again is not enough—we must take our relationship with God seriously.
Sometimes, when I’m not serious enough about my own relationship with God, He allows situations to help me get there. One such time was when I had a very painful infection in both of my eyes and it kept me homebound for five days. This circumstance created an opportunity for a great spiritual experience about peace. You see, my eyes were in so much pain that I couldn’t open them; so—I couldn’t work, read, watch T.V., or do anything that required sight. I had to lie still with a cold compress on my eyes. No one else was around. For five days—it was just God and me. The typical noise and distractions of life were gone, so my heart was free to explore a deeper experience in the comfort and peace of God.
As we spent time together, God awakened me to a greater realization of His goodness. I realized how fragile my life is without Him. I could end up blind but I would not be alone. My life could change drastically at any moment—like during those five days when I wasn’t—hanging out with family and friends, going to church, practicing law, teaching Bible studies, hiking, driving, cooking, or any of the things I love. But God gave me peace in His beautiful promises:
“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’ The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”
Lamentations 3:21-26
While it’s true that God’s goodness to us is manifested in physical blessings—like good health—when we have a firm grasp on how steadfast God’s love is for us, we find our greatest peace in His presence. It doesn’t matter if we’re blind or broke—because our peace doesn’t come from our sight or a pile of money.
Unwavering peace comes from the Creator of Peace.
My eye infection served as a time to make a great investment in my relationship with God. It was such a blessing. It put me in a place to “wait quietly” for Him. During the five days I was home alone, God gave me a deeper sense of the strength of His peace. I never want to lose it. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and His peace—that surpasses our human understanding—is found ONLY in HIS presence!
Have you been born again and experienced God’s unwavering peace?
We would love to hear your thoughts about this devotional. Did God speak to you or challenge your daily walk with him? Or is there a topic that you would like Kimberly to cover or expound on? Please share with us in the comments below.
To learn more about Kimberly Faith and the mission of Faith Strong, click HERE.
Out Now – Essential Faith, Volume II. Find it on Amazon by clicking HERE.
To learn more about Kimberly Faith’s ministry Fostering By Faith, click HERE.
4 Responses
Amen to God’s blessing while you healed. I was rushed to the hospital and they rushed me to HCMC in Minneapolis. I was terrified to be there and terrified I had to be rushed into surgery. I was all alone for 10 days. Not one visitor…only a handful of calls. I prayed and prayed for someone to visit or call me. I watched everyone else have visitors etc and I just cried. 3 weeks later I was back at HCMC and brought into skin graph surgery and again 10 days with noone again to visit or call. I called family only to be pushed aside again. I’ve been in and out of the hospital 3 times in less than two months. close to home, friends and family and same thing. there’s no love or caring towards me and I’m secretly so angry.. well I tell them how I feel..I’m just muted. I talked to God but I got so angry with him too.
Oh gosh, I’m so sorry you’re going through such pain. And I understand the blaming God part. More importantly, He does too. He has a plan for you! The journey is in the discovery of it. I asked God to help me explain this better and He gave me this video. Maybe it will help you as well. Peace in God, my friend!
https://gofaithstrong.com/the-great-mythwhy-we-blame-god/
I love to read the stories about our father so I thank you very much and I learn alot
Amen—what a blessing Our Father is!