Don’t quit – Giving up is not an option
Have you ever felt like you can’t keep going? Like giving up is the only option? Hang on. Here’s why you shouldn’t quit.
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.”
We are living in stressful and difficult times. A lot of people are fearful and their hearts are failing. Nations of the world are perplexed and at loss of idea on what to do in the difficult times we live in. In the midst of these confusions, the Lord wants us to operate from the place of His peace. The case of the Children of God is different from that of everyone else.
Let’s examine how the Amplified Version of the Bible rendered our text:
“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.]”
In difficult times, it is only those who are in Christ that will have the peace that God gives.
The peace of God is not the absence of troubles, crisis, trials and frustrations but it is the peace that persists in spite of troubles, crisis, trials and frustrations.
The pseudo-peace that the world offers is one built around things or events like having a job, going to club, engaging in a hobby or hanging around powerful acquaintances, etc. So, when these are stripped away, nothing is le to console and comfort the person that depends on them for peace.
Being in Christ helps us to reorder our priories and focus on things that pertain to
Christ and it is in Christ that we can draw this peace that passes all understanding.
SPECIAL POINTS TO NOTE:
- God is the Author of Peace. Peace cannot come from alcohol or certain life- styles. 2 Corinthians 13: 11 says “…..and the God of love and peace will be with you.” 1 Thessalonians 5: 23 emphasizes “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely…”
- Jesus is the giver of peace. Ephesians 2: 14 informs us that Jesus is our peace.
As our world is going through difficult times, we as followers of Christ should be re- assured that Jesus is our peace. Isaiah 9: 6 calls Jesus the Prince of Peace. It is difficult to find peace outside Jesus.
- When we receive Jesus, peace comes in; peace comes at new birth.
John 3: 3 notes that except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God, while 2 Corinthians 5: 17 asserts that if any man is in Christ he is a new creation, old things have passed away and all things have become new.
In Christ peace is assured; when you allow Christ to live in you, He comes in with peace. Apostle Paul prayed in 2 Thessalonians 3: 16 (NLT) that the Lord of peace Himself will give you His peace at all times and in every situation.
In Acts 12: 1-11 we saw a man that had been condemned to be executed sleeping soundly a night before his execution. It is incredible to imagine such a scenario because it is unnatural. Peter must have had something that is not ordinary. Herod had already executed James, the brother of John and was about to do the same thing to Peter, but rather than let worry consume him, Peter slept soundly on the eve of his execution. Peter had the peace that beats all imaginations and that is the kind of peace I pray for your life, mind and your circumstances today in the name of Jesus.
Jesus also prayed for His disciples a night before His crucifixion in John 14: 27. He said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Jesus was calming His disciples down just before His execution.
Life weighs so heavily on us at the curve of change and when uncertainty is the order of the day but this is when we most require the peace of God in our lives.
I pray that the Lord grants you uncommon peace; peace that will baffle everyone who is observing you go through the challenges of life.
HOW DOES PEACE COME? PEACE COMES…
- As a result of covenant or the promise God has made to His people. In Isaiah 54:
10 God promised that His covenant of peace will not be removed from us.
- From God by faith through our Lord, Jesus Christ. Romans 5: 1 says “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” When we make peace with God, then we have the peace of God or can I put it this way, “Peace with God guarantees Peace of God.” You can only have peace with God when you are reconciled to God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
If you have not made peace with God, you can say this simple prayer with me: “Heavenly Father, I make peace with You today, forgive me my sins. Jesus, come into
life; I surrender all to You. Be my Lord and my Saviour, take care of me in the midst of trials and troubles. I accept you into my life today and my life is all Yours. Thank you for accepting me, in the name of Jesus, Amen.”
- By being in Christ. In John 16: 33 Jesus said, “….In Me you will have peace…”
- Through God’s word. Psalm 119: 165 says, “Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.”
As you spend me assimilating God’s word and believing His promises to you, peace comes.
- Through prayers. Philippians 4: 6-7 said, “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.”
God bless you.
For more information, please connect with Pastor Chris using the handle
@iamchrisugoh across all social media platform.