By: Undre Griggs, Jr.
There are going to be times in our life where it seems all hope is lost. We are going to encounter situations where all signs point to defeat, but we are to remain at peace in these times. That is because our peace comes from our faith in Jehovah and our hope in His Son Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1-2 (NKJV): 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.
The peace we have through our trials may have us appear foolish to some. Others will think we are in denial because of our unwillingness to allow defeat to enter our mind. Whether we have lost our job, lost our spouse, or lost our health; as long as our faith remains in God, our heart will remain at peace. We recognize even though the doctor’s verdict may say we have one month to live, that does not mean God cannot change the diagnosis. There are numerous stories of faithful people praying and being delivered from terminal diseases. There are people who survive encounters that all but promise death, to come out without a single scratch.
Psalm 18:1-3 (NIV): I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies.
Our peace comes through the strength provided by Jesus Christ. We remain at peace not because we know the results, but because we know whatever the result may be will further God’s kingdom. Whether that results is an unexplainable recovery or whether it be we succumb to our illness. We know that our struggles, trails, and battles will produce perseverance and character (Romans 5:3-4). We will not live our lives merely concerned about self-preservation; we will save as many people, with as much time and resources we are blessed with on this earth.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV): Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
Though the pain may seem unbearable at times, and it very well may be; we must strive to find the peace through the storm. We must remember the eternal reward we are promised and where our hope ultimately lies. If the loss of our job, our health, our marriage, or our friends brings us (and others) to Christ; then we should do our best to focus on the door opened, not the door closed.
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