BIBLE READINGS:
John 14:26-28
Galatians 5:28
Romans 8:6
Philippians 4:7
Do you feel like you are in a tornado of chaos? Running your kids from here to there. Or trying to stop by and pick up something you forgot to get for your office lunch tomorrow. Or maybe it’s the dread of having to get together with a family member in a few weeks. Life has a way of not only running past us, it sometimes even runs over us. None of us intends to feel like this about the season but peace is the last thing that describes what we are feeling.
I was like that too… until my 5-year-old daughter had to have emergency surgery on December 19. She then spent the next several days in Pediatric Intensive Care. And my perspective changed.
All the parties, programs, shopping, and groceries no longer even made the list–not even close. Saving my hurting baby was the only thing that counted. But the strange part about it was, in spite of the scary circumstances, I felt peace. It was a peace that Jesus told His disciples He would leave them—a peace that only comes from the Holy Spirit.
It was supernatural, I could tell. I felt a calm reassurance that my heavenly Father had the situation in His hands. I didn’t feel like falling apart, nor screaming, and I could think clearer than I ever thought possible. Looking back, I can’t even imagine going through anything traumatic without the Holy Spirit living inside me. It was a peace “which transcends all understanding” (Philippians 4:7), and that the world can’t experience.
John 14:26-28 says, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
I think it is important that, as believers in Christ, we help each other to “live by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25) and have our minds “governed by the Spirit” because we will receive “life and peace” (Romans 8:6).
And that little 5-year-old girl? Well, she has a baby girl herself now, and I pray she doesn’t have to go through the same situation her mom did.
(We would like to thank Parkview Christian Church, Orland Park, Illinois for providing this plan)