A Comforting Peace

And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:7 (HCSB)

I remember that after a conference I gave on journeying through the desert with God, a woman came to me in tears, telling me that my message had helped her understand that she would never get out of her desert. She asked me to pray for her, not to get out of the desert, but to discern the reason why God had led her there. She had heard me say that it is God who decides when we enter the desert, but that we influence His decision regarding our exit, if we manage to understand His reason and conform to His will. Otherwise, even if He brings us out, He will bring us back in. And this time, the journey will be more difficult and longer.

I believe she understood the meaning of the message, because she kept asking me how to discern God's will. This is the attitude we should all adopt when we go through difficult times in our lives: seeking to understand God's lesson instead of complaining. Know that God will never abandon you. He will guide you, protect you, and strengthen you so that you do not succumb to temptation. Some will say that you are paying the consequences of your hidden sins. But one thing is certain: our thoughts are not God's thoughts. God's plans surpass ours in every way.

When we have to go through trials, God does not take our emotions into account when He acts. He watches over our hearts and places people in our path to guide us, because He knows our limitations. We often wonder what we will do when misfortunes overwhelm us, and it's normal to think about that. But God's peace and grace will soothe our fears and dry our tears. Don't worry about what people think of you in your suffering; Have faith in God, for He knows how to take care of us and calm us in times of crisis.

May God's grace and peace be with you all.