"Don't Confuse God's Peace With The Absence of Problems" (John 14:27)

In our passage, the Lord says, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." For Christ followers, the key to having untroubled or undisturbed hearts is not the absence of problems, but the presence of the all-sufficient grace of the Lord Jesus Christ! Problems are a way of life in this fallen world! Apostle Paul taught us that the way to overcome being troubled and fearful is to seek Christ Jesus in prayer. Paul said, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7). Many of you reading this may be thinking, "I tried that, but the problems remained!" Let me say that Paul tried it, too, (2 Corinthians 12:7-8) and his problems remained as well! But, take notice of what Jesus said to Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). God's power is shown more clearly not in the absence of problems but in the midst of them! God would not remove the problem as Paul asked of Him, but did something far better. God would continually supply Paul with His amazing grace by which His peace comes! The peace that Jesus gives "keeps watch over" the hearts of Christ followers while facing the problems of doubt, fear, anxiety, and distress. Let the peace that Jesus gives quiet the storms that you encounter in life! We need never panic in the storms of life as long as we're "in the same boat as Christ Jesus!" We must remember that whenever we enter into the midst of stormy times, those storms are not stronger than our Lord. Jesus is absolutely sovereign over them! He's invited us to partake of His own peace while in the midst of them! Your move. Be encouraged!