“It is well with my soul”

My peace I give you…Do not let your hearts be troubled and…afraid.

John 14:27 NIV

The peace Jesus gives brings a sense of assurance that no matter what happens, you know “it is well with my soul.” He says to us: “My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and…afraid.” The peace Jesus gives doesn’t depend on conditions and circumstances. It comes from knowing you’re God’s child and that your Father controls the universe, loves you and always has your best interests at heart. That’s why people who’ve lost everything will often tell you they wouldn’t trade what they’ve learned, even if it meant recouping all their losses. Joni Erikson Tada discovered a supernatural peace when an accident confined her to a wheelchair, and Corrie Ten Boom found it in a Nazi death camp. Missionary Elisabeth Elliot found it ministering to the Indian tribe who massacred her husband. She wrote, “Only in acceptance lies peace…not in resignation.” There’s a big difference! Author Creath Davis points out that: “Resignation is surrender to fate. Acceptance is surrender to God. Resignation lies down quietly in an empty universe. Acceptance rises up to meet the God who fills that universe with purpose and destiny. Resignation says, ‘I can’t.’ Acceptance says, ‘God can.’ Resignation paralyzes the life process. Acceptance releases the process for its greatest creativity. Resignation says, ‘It’s all over for me.’ Acceptance says, ‘Now that I’m here, what’s next, Lord?’ Resignation says, ‘What a waste.’ Acceptance says, ‘In what redemptive way will you use this mess, Lord?’ Resignation says, ‘I’m alone.’ Acceptance says, ‘I belong to you, Lord.’”

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