“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” - Philippians 4:7 (NIV).
It is one of the most dramatic moment. Acts 7 reveals Stephen, an enthusiastic believer in Christ, who is hauled before the law, for proclaiming salvation in Christ. The crowds are overwhelming and quite intimidating. In spite of all the jeers around, and the risks to his life, he delivers an impassioned appeal, urging them to accept Christ. “When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him” (Acts 7:55).
Stephen was then sentenced to death, becoming the first Christian martyr. What is particularly striking about his death was that he was at peace, even as a mob dragged him down to be stoned. “While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep” (vv 59-60).
Stephen had that peace which surpasses understanding, in spite of all the turmoil around him. A famous poem by Rudyard Kipling says, “If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you” captures the essence of Stephen’s last moments. The peace which Stephen had was but from God, “But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56).
Peace has been variously described as that state of tranquility even in the midst of turmoil. There are indeed many of us where if things do not go to plan, and storms surge, we are so troubled that we lose peace. This is exactly what happened when the disciples were at sea with Jesus and the storm came and tossed the boat, while Jesus was asleep (Mathew 4:35-41).
After Jesus rose and rebuked the storms, “He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (vv 40). Today if you are troubled, may you not lose it, but have faith and be at peace, for He is in control.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, I thank you for the blessing of peace which surpasses all understanding, and today I pray not to look at the storm but you and have peace, this I pray in Jesus’s name.
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03/05/2024 - 04/05/2024 All day“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10)
Every now and then one could be gripped with fear because of certain events sweeping before one’s life journey. It could be the finances that are stretched and incomes are no longer certain. Perhaps it is one’s job under threat. Perhaps it is a dreaded health report card. There could be fear about outcome of a matter under judgment and what it might mean to one’s future.
Fear has been elsewhere described as “an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm.” Every life will experience fear at one point. Whenever we are faced with fear it is natural to look for something to grasp on. Sometimes we run for shelter wherever we can find. Perhaps we might seek out a friend for quiet confidence.
But there are those situations when there is no shelter in sight. There are also those cases where those we thought would understand our situation once we share our pain return only hurting and critical feedback. In such moments we might then turn and look within ourselves only to find the energy has all been sapped by this gnawing fear. We feel down and the urge to rise and move on all gone!
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10) the word of God through prophet Isaiah assures us. But why? It is because the Lord has been there. He himself was faced with fear before his crucifixion but He looked to God.
Charles Spurgeon once wrote when faced with fear always remember, “Nothing is too hard for Him. He can find a way where there is no way. He can give us the idea that will make all the difference.” Psalm 91:2, says, “I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” So, when faced with fear, look to God to strengthen you. By looking to Him, the Lord will encourage and lift up your spirit, and make a way out of nowhere!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I surrender to you any fear that is in me for I know by looking up to you, you will always make a way out of nowhere, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
