Give Peace

Bible Study

John 14:27a ESV

In today’s crazy busy world there are times when peace is the greatest gift we can give and receive. It seems that is because peace…real peace from God is sometimes difficult to find. It’s not because God doesn’t want to give peace.

We are simply not feeling it for one reason or another.

In John 14:27a, the Apostle recalled the words of Jesus, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.”

As Jesus was preparing His disciples for His physical departure from earth he wanted them to know the Spirit of God was coming to earth and was with us always.

It is, indeed, the greatest gift.

The Spirit of God is here whenever we call upon God. There are no exceptions. I’ve met people who believe there are specific things we have to do to receive the Spirit, but after wrestling with that thought for many years I came to the point of believing all we really need to receive the Spirit is the desire for God.

The first time I was fully aware of the presence of the Spirit of God I was 12 years old. I seldom went to any large gathering without my parents but Billy Graham was preaching at Arrowhead Stadium and I desperately wanted to go.

I don’t remember who went but I remember riding on our church bus and sitting in Arrowhead Stadium. I remember the presence of the Spirit that was filled with peace. It was so strong that I cried and cried. I wasn’t crying because I was afraid. I was crying because it was wonderful.

That was sixty years ago.

Since that night there have been really good times and really really bad times in my life, but there has never been a time when God was not with me.

Ever.

Even when I felt like I lost my life (the life I’d known) the Spirit was with me.

Looking back, now I know God had a good plan for my new life. At the time I wanted God to tell me everything but I can see now that I wasn’t ready to know what God had for me.

Today I can honestly say I love my new life…God really did have a plan and it was a wonderful plan!

Deborah

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