“You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You - in both inclination and character], because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation].” Isaiah 26:3 AMP
The Hiding Place, by Corrie ten Boom, impacted my growing faith and changed the way I viewed how scripture is meant to be applied to our lives. Corrie and her family were heroes of the Resistance, who hid and saved many jews. Her family took actions based on a firm faith in Jesus and even after she and her family were sent to Hitler’s concentration camps, they stood firm in that faith, living it out in the most terrible circumstances, and behaving in accordance with scripture even towards those who practiced evil.
Corrie’s example of Peace lived, came from what she knew to be true about God, despite extreme lack of peace around her or in her circumstances. Peace that passes understanding is demonstrated in her statement, “There are no ‘if's’ in God’s world. And no places that are safer than other places. The center of His will is our only safety - let us pray that we may always know it!” Her words inspired me in a way that set my spirit on fire.
When my brother and his young family received God’s call to serve as missionaries to Middle Eastern refugees there was much talk of safety. Peace reigned in their hearts though, they were certain they would go. Again, I was reminded of Corrie’s exhortation, of the apostle Paul’s life, and so we sent them with blessings and much prayer.
Mary, mother of Jesus, was told she was highly favored. Yet she was put by God into a situation that could get her stoned. Think also of Ruth or Joseph’s stories.
“Many people go to great lengths to achieve peace and satisfaction. But the truth is - as a believer - you don’t have to struggle to gain either. God has a plan for your life that will bring you both contentment and an abiding sense of tranquility. In fact, such fulfillment is the result of walking in the center of His will. God often reveals His plans through the burdens He puts on your heart. So obey His promptings as He leads you on the path of His will. There, empowered by His strength and led with His wisdom, you’ll feel the abiding sense of peace and satisfaction.” Charles F. Stanley
Oh peace, elusive peace! Is it really so elusive, or have we been searching for it in all the wrong places? Can we tune our ears and hearts to hear anew a verse that sometimes grows worn?
“Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]” John 14:27 AMP
-Let’s prayerfully seek to know God’s will, that we may remain in the center of it, that we may act according to it. We take a first step by becoming familiar with the words of scripture.
-Let’s remember Peace that passes understanding is a peace that comes from knowing God’s promises can be trusted. We take a first step by looking for the Holy Spirit in situations we don’t expect to see Him.
“God’s viewpoint is sometimes different from ours - so different that we could not even guess at it unless He had given us a Book which tells us such things… In the Bible I learn that God values us not for our strength or our brains but simply because He has made us.” Corrie ten Boom, The Hiding Place. Corrie ten Boom survived the concentration camps, her faith in God’s ultimate triumph over evil an anchor, and then she traveled great distances proclaiming one message: God’s love can overcome, heal, and restore.
May Peace that passes understanding be yours dear Brother, Sister, in Christ.
I Exalt Thee
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