In Mark Chapter 5, we are introduced to a woman with no name. We don’t know how old she is but old enough to be a wife but not elderly. She is known for having an issue of blood. In other scriptures, she is also referred to as the hemorrhaging woman. Whether she has an issue of blood, or is hemorrhaging, she is definitely a woman with an infirmity. She is definitely a woman in need of peace to made whole.
This week God has led me to encourage everyone to pursue the Peace of God. Therefore, we will look at Isaiah 26:3-4 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the LORD always, for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock.
In looking at this text, it lets us know that Peace is a result of trusting God. It reveals to us The author of peace is God. Yet at times we tend look to other things besides God to get it. Generally, the idea is “Would you please help me change others so I can have peace? Would you please help me change my situation so I can have peace? But, our scripture says in verse 3, You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Therefore, If there is a lack of peace in our lives, this verse reveals as evident there is a lack of relationship with God. In order to find out where this lack is we must realize what has happened and identify the following things:
1) What I cannot control
2) What I can control
3) What am I motivated by
Meaning, we cannot control people or the outcome of situations and circumstances. But, we can control our own thoughts, desires, words and actions.
How would we do this? By evaluating and taking responsibility in our actions on how we respond to people and the outcome of our situations. For example, if you are confronted by individuals, faced with a situation or circumstance that may try to sap your peace today. Verse 4 assures us to Trust in the LORD always, for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock. This word Rock in Hebrew means maw-ooz a fortified place, defense, strength. Therefore the very next time you are faced with challenges, I want you, stop and ask yourself these questions:
Can I control how this person thinks? Can I control the outcome of this situation? Is my current thought, desire, words or actions line up with God? And as result will my response be motivated by my love for God above my selfish desires? Or Am I motivated by my selfish desires above my love for God?
You choose, because John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]~~Amplified Version.
Remember everything you went through...It Had to Happen!
