Day 15 - Peace in Christ

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"33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”"

John 16:33 (NIV)

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When I was taking my GCSEs - French was, by far, the most intense subject. You had to memorise paragraphs of french and then on the day of the assessment regurgitate these fluently to your teacher who would record it and ask you questions. I remember the anxiety building up in me as that day came closer and closer. The pressure of having to perform perfectly in that moment having a heavy toll on my heart. It got to a point where I was speaking french in my sleep it was obviously that much on my mind.

The day of the exam came and Dad said to me something along the lines of "Don't forget who has gone before you." Now, to a 14 year old, this was just Dad being supportive and trying to calm my nerves. I remember going into the classroom to prepare and being able to hear my heart beating in my head. Pointlessly, trying to revise the paragraphs and answers to questions. Going into that room, I was absolutely petrified. I sat down and took a deep breath. An unexplained calmness came over me. I sat there and gave it my best shot. The irony of course now is, I did better in french than I did in my English. But that feeling of peace, is one I will never forget. You see, God had gone before me and prepared the way.

In the same way God has gone before you. In John we see that we will have trouble in the world but God has overcome the world. I don't know about you but I take peace from that. All around us we a see a world falling to pieces but take heart from the knowledge that God, the creator of heavens and earth, your Father has got this. So let His peace come over you this Christmas time and share it with all who will listen because Christ came to give us peace.

Reflect today: How can you allow more peace in your life? What can you do today to share the peace of Christ with someone?

Dear Lord,

In a world of raging discord help me to have the peace you give. Help me to show that peace with the ones I love and the ones who need it. Give me the strength to practice the pause and let your peace flow through me. It isn't easy and many times I just want to shout out, but I know that you are one who saves. Grant me peace this Christmas time.

Amen