Let There Be Peace and a Test of Endurance
There are two kinds of peace that we have as Christians.
We have peace with God, and we have the peace of God. Let me explain the difference.
THEREFORE, SINCE we are justified (acquitted, declared righteous, and given a right standing with God) through faith, let us [grasp the fact that we] have [the peace of reconciliation to hold and to [enjoy] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) -Romans 5:1 (AMP)
In addition to Jesus' death buying you peace with God, it also serves as a cleansing sacrifice to allow you into the presence of the Lord. With the Holy Spirit now living inside of you, you are able to experience the peace of God. This is the kind of peace that the Fruit of the Holy Spirit manifests. We are told in Philippians how to receive this peace for ourselves. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)
We are promised a peace that exceeds our understanding. That means, it is a peace that does not make sense to us mentally. In times when we should be pulling out our hair and biting our nails, we feel an overwhelming peace in our spirits. I think that, more and more, bearing this Fruit of the Holy Spirit is something that Christians struggle with.
A test of endurance
Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. But let endurance and steadfastness and patience save full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing. -James 1:2-4 (AMP)
Dictionary.com says that forbearance is patient endurance! This simply means that the Holy Spirit will give you the ability to endure trials and tribulations, as you patiently watch for your victory. Why can you patiently endure trials and tribulations? Because you know that God's Word will always prevail in His timing.
Notice what God is telling you through this scripture. He says that trials are only an opportunity for you to prove your faith in His promises. Do you believe what you see in front of your eyes, or do you believe what the Word of God says about your situation?
Anyone can believe God's promises for healing when they aren't sick. But what happens when they get a bad report from the doctor, and 6 months have passed with no improvement. Where is their faith then? A trial is your chance to prove to yourself, your God, and the world that you really do believe! It is amazing that God says we should let patience and endurance complete their work in us.
He tells us that they are what will really make us "fully developed" (James 1:4 AMP). Patiently waiting on God with expectancy in your heart brings about spiritual maturity. That is why allowing this Fruit of the Holy Spirit to begin growing inside of you is so necessary.
Reflection Questions:
- In what area of your life is there fear, anxiety and worry? Fear, anxiety and worry come from Satan. God wants to give you peace. Read your Bible and pray. Submit to God and resist the Devil.
- Why do you think so many Christians today struggle with receiving and maintaining God's peace?
- Do you feel that you have a problem maintaining your peace?
- Have you ever had to wait on a promise from God's Word to manifest itself in your life?
- What did you learn from the experience?
- Does it shock you to know that God believes developing patient endurance will make you "fully developed" spiritually? Why or why not?