As I was asking God today what to share in the Blogs he gives me, I kept coming back to today's message in church. So in not going any other way but God's....I will once again share with you the points taken.
Have you ever stop and thought about Mary, the mother of Jesus, and what was asked of her at such an early age? With the angel, Gabriel, coming and delivering the news to her that she, a virgin, would become pregnant? But not just pregnant with a child . . . She would bare the living Son of God from her womb! Did all that she would face, not only in the coming days but in the years ahead, possibly run frantically through her mind? Ridicule, gossip, slander, disbelief, criticism from others even possibly from her own family? For Mary was brought up in a very conservative Jewish home and things such as this simply had never existed. Mary would face, most likely, all of these things and much more. . . years of hardships and trials. But Mary, in her heart, believed and trusted God for his provision and care. And in that absolute trust - God blessed her with peace. In Luke 1: 38 Mary responds with "I am the Lord's servant, may it be to me as you have said."
Mary had total trust in the utter reliability of God. She knew he alone would carry her through and be ALL that she needed. Even though Mary had such faith, she would still have to go through the storms of life. For God did not take her out of the storms, but rather was there with her through each and every moment providing what was needed......confirmation, comfort, blessing, guidance, a path, a plan, and provision.
Friend, do not get peace mixed up with what we conceive as happiness today. For many can be fooled into thinking peace is happiness and happiness is a feeling. Our definition of happiness can sometimes consist of temporary feelings, situations, emotions. But feelings are up and down and unpredictable just as well situations and circumstances. None of which are solid and lasting. But God's definition of happiness can be much different. He says happiness is a soul satisfying serenity regardless of what is happening around us! That is exactly what Mary had.... a soul satisfying serenity that this was God's plan for her life and she would accept sight unseen.
You may ask - How can I have that kind of peace today in my world??
First know that it's available for anyone!! You don't buy it, achieve it, or inherit it.
Ready for this?
You trust.
Sound familiar?
I shared the very same formula previously in my last Blog for hope!
That's right.
1.) Hope and Peace share the very same perscription > > Trusting with an absolute trust in the utter and complete reliability of God who cares for you.
Trusting in his promises for you. Trusting in what he says will be even when we do not see it, hear it, or feel it. Trusting that God himself is the highest authority and he rules and overrules ALL. Trusting that he is your everything - - Counselor, Healer, Provision........ALL. In God and God alone you are and you will be taken care of....no matter what.
2.) Peace is NOT tied to circumstances!
If this were true, as mentioned above, our peace would be fleeting, here today gone tomorrow, unpredictable. Too many times we get caught up in saying
If only my spouse was _______. Did _______. Acted like _____.
If only my child(ren) were like ________. Did ______. Acted like _____.
If only my family were like ________. Did ______. Acted like ______.
(and the list goes on.....)
Then....THEN we could be happy and have peace!!!
My friend, again....thankfully our peace is NOT tied to circumstances.
3.) What our peace IS tied to is a person.....the person of G O D.
God and God alone will supply ALL your needs. Carry you through your storms. His person, his ways, his Word are trustworthy. For he is......faithful.
When we trust, it leads to surrender. And surrender leads to obedience.
Friend, surrender all your frettings to God as well as all your plans and watch how he works it all out for your very own good! And not only surrender, but obey his Words and his guidance he gives you.
And child of God....if you are saying "Peace isn't there." It could be that it's a matter of trust. Ask yourself : Where am I not trusting God in my life? What am I not trusting him with?
Just as sure as I know that God loves YOU.....he will most certainly accept your prayer of asking forgiveness for not trusting as he has asked us to. And....help you to once again began trusting with an absolute trust allowing his true PEACE to flow.
Let this Christmas be a time of HOPE and PEACE in your life.
Trusting in the complete and utter reliability of our God who knows and has promised to carry you through. :)
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