PEACEMAKERS AND PERSECUTION
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 (NLT)
Following Jesus isn’t always easy—another revolutionary statement, I know. But I’ve found that we are often surprised by life's difficulties. Some go so far as to say that if God really loved us, we wouldn’t experience the hardship we do. And while I won’t pretend to love the difficult times, I can honestly say that during each storm, I’ve been able to see God at work. Jesus never promised things would be perfect in this life (though He does have some wonderful things to say about the life to come). In fact, in the passage above, He guarantees we will have struggles in this world. But He also offers us the comfort that He has overcome the world. And through Him, we can as well.
The most difficult seasons of our lives often directly result from our relationships. A simple truth we’ve probably heard since childhood is that we can’t control anyone else. We don’t know the baggage or wounds someone may be operating out of. All we can control is how we respond to those around us. Consider the words of Paul in Romans 12:17-18 (NLT): Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
Do everything you can to live in peace with everyone. They might be doing everything they can to not live in peace with you. But our call is clear. Remember that Jesus has overcome this world. Seek to live at peace, refusing to pay back evil with more evil. Trust in His justice and His timing.
APPLICATION: Are you feeling overwhelmed and overcome by the world? Take a moment to meditate on John 16:33. Consider putting it somewhere you can see regularly—a phone background, Post-It note on the fridge, bathroom mirror, etc. If you’re having difficulty in a relationship, pray for that person and ask God to bless them. It’s difficult for bitterness to take root in your heart when you’re fervently seeking the blessing and benefit of that person.
PRAYER: God, help me to remember that You are sovereign. Jesus, You have overcome, and through You, I can also. Help me pursue peace in all my relationships and bless those who would persecute me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?