Peace and Grace

This second letter to the Thessalonians ends using the same words Paul used to start it: Peace and Grace. Words used to encourage these believers enduring both persecution and tribulation.

And what beautiful words to finish our study today!

Peace and Grace to you, dear friend.

After these six weeks with the Thessalonian church, we´ve been reminded that peace doesn´t come from anything outside us, but from Jesus.

The world may attempt to steal your peace. But be encouraged and resist, because the God of Peace is with you and will be with you in whatever circumstance you are facing.

Since this is our last day together, let me be honest with you: I´ve been struggling to get that peace for the last couple of years.

And this is one of the things I never dared to say, you know? I´m a missionary, a woman of faith, of action. I´m the brave one, the one who is willing to serve God no matter the cost.

However, in the middle of the night, when Facebook was closed and the façade was down, it was just me and my insecurities, my doubts and my fears. Should we stay here? Should we go somewhere else? Is this really God´s will for us? Do we really have to endure all this? Or is it that we have some kind of martyr syndrome or something? Is this the place where I want my kids to grow? Is it worthy at all?

These and many other similar questions came to my mind over and over again, making me doubt not only God´s will for me but even His love…why would He allow so much evil reach to us if we are serving Him?

I allowed the thief to come and steal my peace.

Now, see what Paul says at the end of his letter…

…may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way.

At all times in every way.

I´ve learned that my peace comes from giving God control over everything. From understanding that He is always doing something behind scenes for my good and His glory. From accepting God´s will for me and my family as it is.

His will right now is not that we live in a fancy place. It is not that we have abundance of things. It is not that we live quietly and surrounded by comfort. His will for us right now is that we endure scarcity, danger, and trial after trial. That we struggle and endure and face opposition and fall and rise again.

His will is to have me fighting to keep my peace. And the only way of fighting – and winning – that battle is on my knees. Surrendering my everything to Him. My expectations, my demands, my thoughts of a different life, my comfort, my security. Giving all this to Him. Every single day. And then, and only then, I can experience His peace at all times in every way. In the small and in the big things. In the important and in the routine.

Don´t let the enemy of your soul come and steal your peace. Fight.

“Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

I know the easiest thing to do when hard times come is to allow our doubts and fears fill our minds and hearts. But, I also know that living God´s will for us – however hard or different it is from what you´ve envisioned it may be – is the only thing that gives us peace at all times in every way.

Submit to God´s will for you and rest. Let the devil take your fears with him and allow God to fill your heart with His perfect peace.