Thank-you for Peace!
Yesterday when I sat down to write my post, I could not for the life of me get the computer to act right. It froze while trying to get the scripture and it refused to enter into the HeartLIfe website. I tried over and over – with no success. While I was concerned as to why things were not operating correctly, I was not frustrated – (as I have been in times past). After a few attempts I gave it up and went to bed.
There has been a slow but definite change in my demeanor; once the queen of the Type A, I am finally beginning to realize that there are some things that are not worth getting flustered over. While I made my personal commitment to see that I write every day, there are some days when it just doesn’t work out. Yesterday was one of those days. Being calm in crisis is not something that comes naturally to me, and when it does, I know it is not because of a radical change to my personality, rather it is the work of the Holy Spirit in me granting me peace.
Peace is something that I desire, now more than ever. Not peace as the world gives, but peace that goes beyond man’s understanding. We know Jesus to be the Prince of Peace, but did you know He was not the first assigned to bring peace:
79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.Like 1:79 (KJV)
This passage is not referring to Jesus, rather to His cousin, John the Baptist. John was assigned both to give light in darkness and positioning our feet to find peace. When I think of this, it once again shows the strange way that God goes about saving the world. John the Baptist dwelt in the wilderness, feasting on a diet of locusts and wild honey. While he was prepared to point us to peace no doubt he was an anointed preacher, for people came from far and wide to hear him. I can envision his sermons as being both animated and able to be projected over the vast area of desert where he dwelt. He was humble in spirit, but no doubt he was not mild in presentation!
Isn’t it interesting that God uses all of us, with different personalities and types, just the way we are to fulfill His plan and purposes? As I sit here finally able to get out my message, I have a song resonating in my heart:
I’m sure he must have been surprised
At where this road had taken him
Cause never in a million lives
Would he have dreamed of BethlehemAnd standing at the manger
He saw with his own eyes
The message from the angel come to life
And Joseph saidWhy me, I’m just a simple man of trade
Why Him with all the rulers in the world
Why here inside this stable filled with hay
Why her, she’s just an ordinary girl
Now I’m not one to second guess
What angels have to say
But this is such a strange way to save the World…
Songwriters: David Allen Clark / Donald A. Koch / Mark R. HarrisStrange Way to Save the World lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group