The search For Peace – Part 3

/ Sandra Bivens Smith

In todays post we we complete our series on the search for peace. We have learned about the things that can hinder our peace and the ways we can overcome the things that rob us of our peace. Today we will look at what God’s word has to say about protecting our peace.

But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, (Ephesians 2:13-14

Through His life, death, and resurrection Jesus Christ destroyed the power of sin and death. One day, the very presence of sin and death will be destroyed. For now, for a little while longer, the battle continues.

As we await that glorious day we must continuously strengthen our minds and our faith through careful attention to God’s word. We must be ever watchful, but never fearful, always alert to the enemy’s schemes. We must stand firm. We must press on.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, (Ephesians 6:10-18)

Christian, our enemy may be fierce but our victory is sure! Armed with the word of God, the power of the Holy Spirit, the strength of our faith, and the assurance of our salvation, we can know that wonderful “peace that surpasses understanding”.

Dear God of peace, I praise You for the shed blood of Jesus, changing me from Your enemy to Your friend. I thank You for also making obedience available through this new covenant of grace. I humbly ask that You teach me to live in dependence upon Your sufficiency, Amen.

(Day By Day Grace by Bob Hoekstra)