Peace by Faith
The Bible talks a lot about peace, but in the world we live in, is that really attainable? Most people only find it temporarily in a bottle of liquor or pills. It's the way of the world, right? But what about those of us who have been saved by the amazing blood of Jesus and have the power of the Holy Spirit abiding within us? Well, sadly we don't see much difference between the world and the church and that's why the world doesn't want what we have.
Peace belongs to us. It's a gift from our Father to His children, but it's something we must fight for. The enemy's greatest triumph against us comes as he invades our hearts and minds with fear and anxiety. Our victory over our circumstances comes as we pray and by faith, trust that God will fulfill His promises, come through for us and work things out for our good. His Word says that according to our faith, He will do it unto us. Faith is a powerful tool in our Christian walk and it pleases God when we bring our problems to Him and trust that He will take care of them.
Let's face it, there's no faith in anxiety. On one hand we are walking close to God, fully focused on Him and unmoved by the devil's tactics and negative reports because we see our problems as temporary and a stepping stone to our victory. On the other hand we hear the lies of the enemy and we give him our full attention, taking our eyes off of the source of our help and onto the source of our destruction, therefore giving him permission to manipulate the situation in his favor. When the attacks come, resist the devil and the temptation to focus on what he's dangling before you and run to Jesus! Share you're heart, pressure, anxiety and fear with Him. He already knows you can't handle it on your own and He's waiting for you to hand it over to Him. He wants to show His power and love to you as He gives you peace in the storm and delivers you from the destroyer. The enemy is fighting for your testimony, but God desires to bless you with one that will not only change your life but the lives of others who are dealing with the same thing you are being delivered from.
This burden was never meant for you to carry, but only to hand over to Jesus who already paid the price for your victory! Stay focused on God and give Him praise even before you see the manifestation of the blessing!! He's a faithful and good Father who takes meticulous care of His beloved children.
Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV) You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.
Psalm 94:18-19 (NIV) When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.
1 Peter 5:7-9 (AMP) casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour. But resist him, be firm in your faith [against his attack—rooted, established, immovable], knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being experienced by your brothers and sisters throughout the world. [You do not suffer alone.]
Philippians 4:4-9 (NKJV) Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 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 surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Meditate on These Things. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
