Breaking FreeSample

"Benefit Four: To experience God’s peace" His peace should not be an infrequent surprise but the ongoing rule of our lives. Peace can be possible in any situation, but we cannot simply produce it on demand. In fact, we cannot produce it at all. It is “fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22). We have Christ’s peace. It has already been given to us if we have received Christ. We just don’t always know how to activate it. The key to peace is authority. When we allow the Prince of Peace to govern our lives, peace either immediately or ultimately results. Peace accompanies authority. You can have the peace of Christ, believer, no matter what your circumstances; but you must believe, bend the knee, and learn how to receive. You may never feel like giving your circumstance, hurt, or loss to Him; but you can choose to submit to His authority out of belief and obedience rather than emotion. Obedience is the mark of authentic surrender to God’s authority in any matter. As Lord, He will never ask anything of us that is not right, good, and open to the light. He is perfect and undefiled. He is Redeemer, the One who bought us from sin’s slave master so we could experience abundant life. He bought us to set us free. God inspired His Word with great care and precision. When He said we could have peace like a river in Isaiah 48:18, He wasn’t drawing a loose analogy. He meant it. What does it take? Paying attention to God’s commands (by obedience) through the power of the Holy Spirit within us. Why should we obey? Because God is incapable of making mistakes with our lives. Isaiah 48:17 tells us He teaches us only what is best for us. Obedience to God’s authority not only brings peace like a river but righteousness like the waves of the sea. Not righteous perfection. Righteous consistency. You see, God’s way is the right way. And the only peaceful way in a chaotic world. You can begin a life of authentic peace today. Right now. Bend the knee to His trustworthy authority. Surrender every part of your life and every concern of your heart to the all-powerful, all-sufficient, all-knowing Creator of heaven and earth. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” (Col. 3:15).