Living in Peace

This year, it seems like everything is going wrong that could go wrong. First, the world basically shut down due to the virus. Then riots started and proceeded to destroy cities and get rid of police departments. In Iowa, we also had an unusual storm, a derecho, that caused a lot of damage to crops and buildings.

In other areas, churches have been singled out for closure or face penalties for meeting. We are also getting closer to another election where the candidates couldn't be much more polar opposite than each other and have potential to drastically change the country. With all this going on, I preached this morning about having peace in our lives.

Reading through the Bible, we can see various scenarios where a person, or country, looked to be headed for trouble. However, God used it for His glory and according to His purposes. In Genesis, Joseph was sold as a slave by his brothers. About twenty years later, God used Joseph to save Egypt, and his family, from starvation.

In Exodus, just as Israel finally left Egypt, they appeared to be stuck between the sea and Pharaoh's army. Instead of doom though, God brought His people through the sea on dry ground and showed His power by drowning the Egyptian army. In Philippians 4, Paul says he knew what it was to live in good times and bad. No matter what, he relied on God's strength to get him through.

As part of the sermon on the mount, Jesus said in Matthew 6:31-34 to seek His kingdom first and not worry. This can be hard to do in challenging circumstances, but these are times when we especially need to rely on God.

Living the quad life, I've had times of concern and let worry get to me, as regular readers will know. As a Christian though, I can be like Peter was in Acts and sleep soundly knowing God is in control. If we have repented from our sins, and trust in Jesus alone for salvation, we can have peace that surpasses all understanding. It's not a guarantee of an easy life, but gives a correct outlook for what is to come.