PEACE FROM WITHIN

09/02/2024

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

As Christians, we should not engage in battles that Jesus has already won for us. The reason for His fight was our need for salvation, and He secured victory so that we might enjoy perpetual peace. If we continue to engage the same adversary whom Jesus overwhelmingly defeated, it suggests our theology is flawed, and it shows that we are operating outside of the Word.

As children of God, we already possess peace. This peace was given to us at salvation, and we no longer need to pray for it because Jesus Himself is our peace. Isaiah 9:6 calls Him the Prince of Peace, and in John 14:27 (NLT), Jesus says, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart.” In Matthew 28:20 (NLT), He assures us, “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” If these promises are true, why would any Christian confess a lack of peace? When our confession contradicts the person and ministry of Jesus, we unknowingly reject His power from manifesting in our lives.

The peace we have in Christ is not external; it is independent of circumstances, people, or things. Jesus distinguished between His peace and the peace offered by the world for a reason. Worldly peace is material and temporary, often tied to the resolution of external issues, like paying bills or having a stable job. However, this kind of peace is not divine. If our peace is dependent on favorable conditions in our marriage, job, or other aspects of life, we are settling for less and may never experience true peace in Christ.

The presence of Jesus within us is our peace, a peace that does not yield to anything contrary to Christ and His finished work. When Jesus spoke of peace, He was not referring to the absence of challenges but to the power of victory over worldly troubles. He said in John 16:33 (AMPC), “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world, you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]” The trials we face are not meant to harm us; Jesus has already deprived them of their power. Each challenge is an opportunity for growth, revelation, and promotion.

Therefore, have no fear. Do not be troubled by bad news. Follow Jesus’ example: Speak peace! And after you have declared peace, keep your mind focused on the Word. The peace of God within you is your power over adversity. Declare it every time!

God bless you!

Faith-Filled Confession:

My life is peaceful and beautiful. I am unshaken and unmoved by the turmoil around me. The Lord is my refuge and my fortress. He has kept evil away from me and has given me peace on every side. Hallelujah!

One-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Chronicles 26-27; John 11:18-46