Peace In The Midst Of Tribulation
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”1
In today's passage, the apostle Paul lists many of the blessings believers receive when we find ourselves in tribulations, such as perseverance and hope. The way he mentions them in verses 3 and 4 makes the passage easier to quote and a pleasure to memorize. But we must not overlook what is at the root of those blessings.
In verse 1 we find, "We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." The Greek word translated "peace" is eiréné, a derivative of the Greek verb eirō, which means "to bind, to bind together into a whole." When we accepted the Lord's generous offer of salvation, all the broken pieces in us came back together. All the gaps were filled. Now nothing is missing, nothing is broken.
That absolute tranquility, or peace, "surpasses all understanding" (Philippians 4:7). When the Lord Jesus slept in the storm-battered boat, He demonstrated that this kind of peace means safety and rest, no matter what is happening around us (Matthew 8:24-26). This is the peace in which we are called to live, and to extend it to others who need it so desperately.
Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me in today's passage that I can have peace in the midst of tribulation. Thank you that only you can give me that peace that surpasses all understanding. Thank you, Lord, for the perseverance and hope that are produced in us when we abide in you. Thank you for your great faithfulness. I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
1. Romans 5:1-5 (NIV).
Today's Encounter was written by: Rosina N.
All articles on this website are written by
Richard (Dick) Innes unless otherwise stated.