The gift of God’s peace

Gemma was admitted to the hospital for an emergency surgery after showing symptoms of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy.  But on the third day, she slowly began to regain strength.

Gemma gently stood up from the hospital bed and started to walk down the hallway. Then, she saw a lady in the ward, sitting alone and quietly sobbing. She walked up to her and sat down beside her.

“I lost my pregnancy three days ago”, Gemma told the lady.

“Really? Me too. And this is the third time in two years. I am exhausted!”, she replied.

“That must be very tough for you. Listen, we will keep our hopes alive. One day we will carry our babies with these hands”, Gemma said as she held the lady’s hands.

“That is so sweet of you. You are so positive and look so peaceful. I wish I could be this positive”, the lady replied.

“You can! Let me tell you about someone who helps me stay positive and peaceful in times like these”, Gemma said. She introduced Jesus as the source of true peace, joy, and comfort. Then, they prayed together. The lady was very grateful.

When Joseph was sent to prison due to false accusation, he did not allow that to dampen his joyful nature or disturb his peace. “Why do you look so sad today?” (Genesis 40:7), he asked the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, who both had a dream they could not understand.

On Paul’s journey to Rome to see Caesar, he remained peaceful and showed compassion for his fellow prisoners, soldiers, and the centurion, even though he was also a prisoner. And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship…Therefore I urge you to take nourishment, for this is for your survival, since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you” (Acts 27:22, 34).

In the midst of our struggles and trials, we can experience the peace and comfort that Jesus offers. We can also share that experience with others who are in the same boat with us.

A cheerful and peaceful countenance in the face of suffering reflects the state of the heart within. It speaks of divine peace and joy dwelling in our hearts. These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world (John 16:33).

Of course, remaining joyful and even encouraging others while suffering does not erase the pain we feel – the feeling is still real! But the presence, peace and comfort of God make all the difference. 

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:27).

Have you been going through trials lately? Are you losing your calm because of the trials?

Switch your focus from your pain to the peace that only Jesus can give.

His grace will hold you up.

His comfort and peace will keep you still.