Because He Said So

I was in traffic, the radio on, slowing down at the stoplight, when I saw something on the car in front of me. It was bumper sticker. I could just make out the words which read,

"God said it. That settles it. Whether you believe it or not."

This particular bumper sticker makes most of us think about God's view of sin and the true path to forgiveness. For believers, the message is clear. If He said so, that's all there is to it.

But is that really what we believe?

God said many things in His Word. He promises the consequences of sin. He promises the forgiveness of sin through faith in Jesus Christ. He clearly expresses His Love for us in many ways. There is one promise He gave us that we often have trouble believing.

He promises us peace.

We often think that peace is the absence of trials. Peace is a day full of happiness. Peace can't be cancer or chemotherapy. Peace can't mean divorce. Peace isn't unemployment or foreclosure. Is it?

The time was near for Jesus to be crucified on the cross. He knew the hour was coming. In the last days before His death and resurrection, Jesus gave his disciples encouragement. He knew the time would come for Him to leave and The Comforter (The Holy Spirit) to come.

"Jesus asked, "Do you finally believe? But the time is coming- in fact, it is already here- when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." John 16: 31-33

Notice what Jesus did not say. He did not say that he would give them peace and they would have no sorrow. He tells them the truth. Sorrow will come. The disciples had no earthly idea what was in store for them, the fear, the pain, the persecution they would endure. Jesus knew. Yet, He still promised them peace.

He promises us the same peace, dear friends! Peace can be experienced in chemotherapy or in the midst of a custody battle. You can know real peace while you struggle to pay the bills because you can know Jesus. Jesus is our peace!

He walks us through our suffering, holds us when we're weak, gently reminding us of his amazing love. We can have joy in tears and in laughter because Jesus, our solid rock, our salvation, is our only source of real peace.

Jesus offers us peace that the world could never give. It is true because He told us so. Now, we just have to believe it!

Reflections:

What area of your life do you struggle with true peace?

Ask God to give you peace.

If you do not know Jesus as your saviour, ask Him now. He wants to give you peace.



Join Melanie at her personal blogspot, "This Ain't New York."