Good morning, beloved family of God. I stand before you today, not as one who has all the answers, but as a fellow traveler, walking with you on this winding road of faith. We are gathered here, not because we are perfect or because we have it all figured out, but because we need the grace that only our Lord Jesus Christ can provide. So, let's take a moment, right here, right now, to pause and to rest in the presence of our Savior.
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
In this single verse, we find a promise, a warning, and an assurance. Life will indeed bring trials, yet peace is possible, and victory is certain. Not because of our own strength or wisdom, but because of the One who has overcome the world. For the most part, it is not through our own will that we make it the troubles of this world, but by the strength of Jesus Christ.
This reminds me of a quote by the esteemed Christian author, J.I. Packer, who once said, "The peace of God is first and foremost peace with God; it is the state of affairs where God, instead of being against us, is for us. No account of God's peace which does not start here can do other than mislead."
So, let's start here, with the understanding that the peace of God is not an absence of trouble, but the presence of Christ. And with that in mind, let's move forward together, leaning into the promise of peace, heeding the warning of trials, and holding onto the assurance of victory in Christ.
So, let's begin, not with fear or apprehension, but with faith and anticipation, as we consider the trials of life, the promise of peace, and the victory in Christ.
Facing Life's Trials
In the world we live in, it's no secret that trials and tribulations are a part of this life. They come in many forms and from many directions. Some are small, like a flat tire on the way to work or a disagreement with a friend. Others are much larger, like the loss of a job, a serious illness, or the death of a loved one. These trials can shake us to our core, causing us to question our faith, our purpose, and even the goodness of God.
My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.
James 5:10-11
But let's remember what our opening Scripture tells us. Jesus himself said, "In this world you will have trouble." He didn't say we might have trouble or that we could possibly have trouble. He said we will have trouble. It's a guarantee. But it's not a cause for despair. Instead, it's a call to lean into our faith, to trust in God's promises, and to find peace during our trials.
Now, let's look at the first aspect of facing life's trials. It's about understanding that trials are a part of life. They are not anomalies or aberrations. They are not punishments from God or signs of His displeasure. They are simply a part of the human experience. And while they are often painful and difficult, they are also opportunities for growth, for learning, and for deepening our faith.
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;
and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:1-5
The second aspect of facing life's trials is about perspective. How we view our trials can significantly impact how we experience them. If we see them as insurmountable obstacles, we can easily become overwhelmed and discouraged. But if we see them as opportunities for growth and learning, we can face them with courage and hope.
The third aspect of facing life's trials is about having a resilience. Resilience is not about avoiding trials or pretending they don't exist. It's about facing them head-on, with courage and determination. It's about drawing on our inner strength and our faith in God to help us navigate through the storm.
The fourth aspect of facing life's trials is faith. Faith is not a magic shield that protects us from all harm. It's a deep and abiding trust in God, a belief that He is with us during our trials, that He cares for us, and that He is working all things together for our good.
In conclusion, facing life's trials is not about avoiding them or wishing them away. It's about facing them with courage, resilience, and faith. It's about understanding that they are a part of life, adjusting our perspective, building our resilience, and deepening our faith. And most importantly, it's about finding peace amid the storm, knowing that Jesus has overcome the world.
Finding Peace in Chaos
As we navigate the tumultuous seas of life, we are often confronted with the overwhelming waves of chaos. Yet, amid the storm, we find an anchor in the promise of peace that Christ offers. Let me paraphrase our opening scripture of John 16:33, Jesus says, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace." This is not a peace that is dependent on our circumstances, but a peace that is rooted in our relationship with Christ.
In the original Greek, the word for peace conveys more than just a lack of conflict or a sense of tranquility. It encompasses a state of wholeness, of everything being as it should be. This is the peace that Christ offers us - a peace that transcends our understanding, a peace that permeates every aspect of our lives, a peace that is not contingent on our circumstances but is grounded in our relationship with Him. Even though we are in a world of trouble, we can be at peace with Jesus. This is something that science can equate with. The “eye” of a hurricane is known to be a region of calm weather amid the storm. While chaos is swirling around, there is peace in the center of it. Yes, that is us when we are centered and grounded in Christ Jesus.
This same term for “peace” is used in several other passages in the New Testament. For instance, in Romans 5:1-2, Paul writes.
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Here, "peace" refers to the reconciliation between God and humanity through the work of Christ. It speaks of a restored relationship, of a barrier broken down, of a peace that was once lost but now has been found. By accepting Jesus, we have been moved from the outside chaos, God’s wrath, which can be illustrated as a hurricane, into the peace of God, which being free from His wrath, or into the eye of the hurricane.
Amid the chaos, we are not left to fend for ourselves. We are not abandoned or forgotten. Instead, we are invited to find peace in Christ, to rest in His presence, to trust in His promises. This peace is not a temporary reprieve from our troubles, but a constant reality that we can experience in our relationship with Him.
In the face of uncertainty, we are not called to rely on our own strength, our own understanding, or our own wisdom. We are not expected to have all the answers or to figure everything out on our own. Instead, we are encouraged to lean on Christ, to draw from His strength, to rely on His wisdom. This peace is not a product of our efforts, but a result of our dependence on Christ. The words of Proverbs 3:5 affirm this.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
In the throes of turmoil, we are not condemned to a life of fear or anxiety. We are not destined for despair or defeat. Instead, we are assured of victory in Christ, of a peace that overcomes the world, of a hope that does not disappoint. This peace is not a fleeting feeling, but a steadfast assurance that we can hold onto in Christ.
So, as we walk through a world of trouble, let us remember the promise of peace that Christ offers. Let us rest in His presence, trust in His promises, lean on His strength, rely on His wisdom, and hold onto His assurance. For in Him, we find a peace that transcends our understanding, a peace that overcomes the world, a peace that is ours in Christ. A peace that directs your paths to continue in that peace.
Firmly Standing with Jesus
As we step into this final point, we find ourselves standing firmly with Jesus. During tribulation, Jesus gives us peace. This is not a fleeting, temporary peace, but a steadfast, enduring peace that anchors us in the stormiest of seas. It's a peace that whispers to us in the quiet moments, and shouts to us in the chaos. It's a peace that holds us when we're falling apart and lifts us when we're sinking. It's a peace that passes all understanding, a peace that is beyond our comprehension. An example of this is when Jesus walked on the waters during a storm, and Peter asked to walk to Him. At first Peter was in the center of Jesus, trusting that Jesus was able to keep him above the raging sea. But Peter lost sight of that center and began to be overcome by the storm. This where Jesus lifted him out of the water, bringing him back into that peace. That is us when we start to venture away from Jesus, we sink into a world of trouble, and it is not until we do as Peter did, and shout “Lord save me!” Will we find that peace again.
Let's consider the first aspect of this peace. It's a peace that is anchored in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, who is the source of our peace. He is the one who calms our storms, quiets our fears, and soothes our anxieties. He is the one who brings order to our chaos, light to our darkness, and hope to our despair. He is the one who gives us peace, not as the world gives, but as only He can give. This peace is not dependent on our circumstances, but on our relationship with Him. It's not based on what we do, but on who He is. It's not earned by our efforts but given by His grace.
As the respected Christian author, C.S. Lewis once said, "God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing." This quote beautifully encapsulates the truth that our peace is found in Jesus, and in Him alone. It's not found in our possessions, our achievements, our relationships or our position in life. It's not found in our circumstances, our situations, or our environments. It's found in Jesus, the Prince of Peace, the one who has overcome the world.
Now, let's look at the second aspect of this peace. It's a peace that is experienced through our trust in Jesus Christ. Trust is the key that unlocks the door to peace. When we trust in Jesus, we are saying that we believe in His goodness, His faithfulness, and His sovereignty. We are saying that we believe He is in control, He knows what He's doing, and He will work all things together for our good. When we trust in Jesus, we are choosing to rest in His promises, rely on His power, and rejoice in His presence. This trust is not a passive acceptance, but an active engagement. It's not a reluctant resignation, but a resolute determination. It's not a weak surrender, but a strong stand.
During tribulation, Jesus gives us peace. This peace is anchored in the person of Jesus Christ and experienced through our trust in Him. It's a peace that surpasses all understanding, a peace that guards our hearts and minds, a peace that is beyond our comprehension.
So, let's take a moment to reflect on this truth. Let's take a moment to consider how we can stand firmly with Jesus, how we can anchor ourselves in His person, and how we can trust in His promises. Let's take a moment to consider how we can experience His peace, not just in the calm, but also in the chaos. Let's take a moment to consider how we can live in His peace, not just for a moment, but for a lifetime. Let’s take a moment to consider how we can have His peace in a world of trouble.
And as we reflect on this truth, let's also respond to this truth. Let's respond by choosing to stand firmly with Jesus, by choosing to anchor ourselves in His person, and by choosing to trust in His promises. Let's respond by choosing to experience His peace, not just in the calm, but also in the chaos. Let's respond by choosing to live in His peace, not just for a moment, but for a lifetime.
During tribulation, Jesus gives us peace. So, let's stand firmly with Jesus. Let's anchor ourselves in His person. Let's trust in His promises. And let's experience His peace. Remember, Peter sank beneath the waves when he lost sight of the power of Jesus.
Conclusion
As we close out our time together today, let's remember that the peace of God isn't about having a perfect life. It's about having a life that's perfectly surrendered to Christ Jesus, the One who has overcome the world. It's about knowing that no matter what trials we face, we're not facing them alone. We will go through them, but we have Jesus who is directing our paths amid the troubles of life. We have a Savior who walks with us, who carries us when we're too weak to move forward, and who has already secured the victory on our behalf.
God's love for us is so vast, so deep, so all-encompassing that it can be hard to fully grasp. But let's try. Let's strive to understand just how much He loves us. Not because we've earned it or because we deserve it, but simply because we are His. And let's let that love fill us as an overflowing cup, so that we can't help but share it with those around us.
Let's pray.
Dear God, as we close our time together, we're just in awe of You. Your love, your grace, your peace - they're more than we can comprehend. And yet, You freely give them to us. Help us, Lord, to accept these gifts with open hearts. Help us to live in the peace that You offer, to face our trials with courage, and to share Your love with others. We thank You, God, for being our Overcomer, our Peace, and our Love. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
