But the Fruit of the Spirit is....Peace

For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be

on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.

Peace. Sometimes it is so hard to obtain, especially during these uncertain times - financial instability, politics, war in Iraq, and everything else going on in this world. How about your personal world? Is there peace?

We are reminded throughout scripture of how God is our peace. This week, my study highlighted how we find peace in aloneness, in God's provisions, our storms, as we wait, in our tears, in His plan and even in our death. As solemn as it all sounds there is so much joy and even peace throughout this study.

What I received most this week was how I have peace as we wait on Elijah (which seems forever) and through my tears. I read a familiar story (John 11): Jesus' friend, Lazarus was dying and his sisters sent for Jesus to come and heal him. Jesus was called to come, but instead stayed two more days in another city, teaching. In the meantime, Lazarus died. Mary and Martha were grieving. A crowd came to pay their respects. It was then that Jesus came and then rose Lazarus from his grave. Can you imagine the faces that day? Can you imagine how many souls were saved that day? Yet why? Why did Jesus wait so long? Why put the roller coaster of emotions on his people? Jesus used this opportunity to reveal who he really was, witnessed to many who then believed and did save many lives that day. Because he waited to come and through that perfect moment he was glorified. God revealed his glory through his son by waiting for moment. We also experience peace as we wait on Him to act, when we surrender ourselves to His authority, when we are focused on Him instead of the circumstances. (Isaiah 64:4)

Today we wait some more on the arrival of our son. Through the waiting may God be glorified when he reveals the right moment. Until then, our eyes will be captured on Jesus not on the empty room or hearts that wait for the arrival of a 4 year old boy. We hold onto peace in the waiting.

In that same story Jesus reveals his compassion as he cries with Mary and Martha as they are escorting Jesus to Lazarus' tomb. So many times I have cried as we continue to wait for Elijah. So many times I have been told "I hope you find peace." I was so relieved when I read in my study "peace means the absence of fear and turmoil, not the absence of pain and grief." Yes! I can cry! I can miss him and I can still have peace, because my peace is of God and my God is my place of refuge. (Psalm 62:8)

I don't know what may be shaking your peace - our worldly circumstances, disharmony in a relationship with a family member or friend, heartache over a loved one, waiting for your orphan child to come home; but I leave you with these words Jesus says to you: "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." And one last thought: Peace starts with a simple prayer "Come, take over, come."