Finding Peace During the COVID-19 Crisis
God’s peace is a supernatural gift that leaves a supernatural effect on God’s children, bringing calm into the most difficult situations. God’s peace is a God-sent gift; a heavenly fruit of the Holy Spirit. God’s peace is spiritual; supernatural! It cannot be disturbed by anything in the natural world.
I believe we can receive the same peace Jesus received in Gethse- mane. Remember the anxiety He experienced there? With a heart of heaviness, Jesus confessed to the disciples, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death” (Matthew 26:38 NIV). Then, “going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will’ ” (Matthew 26:39 NIV). Jesus humbled Himself and prayed three times regard- ing the suffering that awaited Him. After the third time, He heard the answer He needed, received God’s peace, and felt peacefully prepared to fulfill God’s plan of redemption.
Yes, it was God’s heavenly peace, power, and love that sustained Je- sus through the beatings, the scourgings, the nails, and crown of thorns. Driven by God’s peace, He soon could proclaim, “It is fin- ished!” (John 19:30 NIV).
This fruit of peace comes through the Holy Spirit. Jesus said He would send “another Comforter, that he may abide with you forev- er” (John 14:16 NIV). The Holy Spirit’s peace doesn’t fly away when hard times come. It only grows stronger in the most difficult times. God’s Word offers this eternal fruit of the Spirit to each of us—will we receive it?
I want to encourage you amid this apparent pandemic to embrace the heaven-sent peace of God. First, thank God for its availability. Then believe God for it! Believe it’s part of your heavenly heritage as a believer in Jesus Christ and an ambassador of Jesus Christ.
In Mark 4:39, Jesus said, “Peace be still!” (NIV). He brought God’s peace and calm into the world’s turmoil. That’s precisely what He wants to do for His children right now. That’s what He wants to do for you!
God wants us to be witnesses of His power and His grace through difficult times. God has called us to offer peace to those falling into the sea of fear during the storms of life.
God is saying, “Peace be still!” Can you hear the still small voice of the Holy Spirit speaking to you, reminding you of the promises in His Word? Can you hear Him announcing that God is greater than anything this world can throw at us? Do you believe that? If so, let’s live it out, and become God’s salt and light to the world!
Our Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus Christ love us more than we can ever know! He has not called us to fear and panic but rather to faith, peace, and power. So let’s embrace that heavenly calling and reflect God’s peace during these troubling times.