PEACE: Knowing God is in Control!

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Thursday, March 10, 2016

PEACE: Knowing God is in Control!

Today we have another definition from the North Shore Assembly of God in Skokie. (If you remember, I discussed the division and animosity becoming so prevalent in the public discourse.) Again, I took the opportunity to ask each one about their personal definition of PEACE. I got more fascinating definitions! Here is one from Pam Swamy: “PEACE is knowing God is in control, and whatever happens, I trust Him!”

Pam had what some at her church would say is a powerful testimony! Here is just a bit of it.

Some time ago, Pam went to the doctor for a regular gynecological exam. The doctor found an ovarian cyst. She went through the treatments for cancer. All the while, she had a deep feeling that the Lord was with her in a powerful manner. She had peace throughout her “insides.”

Years later, when Pam was diagnosed with breast cancer, she felt, “God is in control. I felt strongly that it’s my job to trust Him. And, I do!” She never said, “why me?” This is the path she is walking. She very much feels her position as a daughter of the most High God.

Wow. Double wow. That is what PEACE means to Pam. I thanked her so much for her testimony, for her words, and for her personal definition.

I am hard put to it to come up with fitting words to comment on Pam’s testimony. Except—I praise God for Pam and her gracious words, her praise-worthy definition of PEACE. How wonderful to have that assurance, to know that God is with her, no matter what.

Thank You, God, for wonderful people like Pam who have such words of assurance. And PEACE. Amen and amen.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er

PEACE: Quiet Assurance. God IS in Control.

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Wednesday, March 9, 2016

PEACE: Quiet Assurance. God IS in Control.

Several days ago, I had the opportunity to go to a gathering at North Shore Assembly of God in Skokie. I spoke with several people at some length, discussing the division and animosity becoming so prevalent in the public discourse. I told the folks there about my listening tour to hear different people’s points of view on PEACE.

I took the opportunity to ask each one about their personal definition of PEACE. I got more fascinating definitions! Here is one from Shirlene Baker, whose definition is: “PEACE: Quiet assurance. God IS in control.”

When asked for further explanation, Shirlene said, “My definition of peace is that quiet assurance, unexplainable knowing that no matter what is happening in the natural, God is and always will be in control. When everything and everyone around you falls apart, you are standing firm and unmovable. With all of the chaos around us, I believe that if our minds are fixed, focused on God, we can remain steadfast.  He promised it and I believe it!  And I know that it works.  I thank Him for His peace, a peace the world cannot take away!”

Shirlene, thank you so much for such a full explanation! Isn’t it the truth? If we understand that God is in control, no matter how awful the present situation may be, we can remain steadfast! Even though we may be in middle of the darkest night, or the stormiest sea, or the worst nightmare, God is with us. God has promised.

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,” God is right by my side. And, that is quiet assurance. Thank You, God! Praise Your Name!

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er