Devotional - December 10, 2025
Scripture: John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
As we enter into this second week of Advent, we shift our focus to peace. In doing so, I want you to reflect on the phrase, no one ever said it would be easy. How many times have you heard those words? Most likely, you've heard them throughout your life, from time to time. Sometimes it was said by others to you and sometimes it was something you said to yourself. I think we all have accepted the fact that living the Christian life is an intentional act and it is not easy. God is not going to constantly intervene in our life, doing things we need to be doing for ourselves. I do believe God does intervene, but I have found it is best to leave those situations to God. I will keep my mind set on trusting God (Jeremiah 17:7, Isaiah 26:3) and doing the best I can in life. Jesus makes it clear that we will face hardships and troubling times. When that happens, rather than say, God will not give me more than I can bear, which is not in the Bible. Say what is in the Bible, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us (Romans 8:37). It takes courage to say things like that, but you can be courageous (Joshua 1:9). Not in a mindless way, but mindfully, resolved, calculating. It's not often that we relate peace with courage, but they go together. To have peace, one has to be courageous enough to face the circumstances they are encountering in life, internally and externally. When you do so, you will be filled with all kinds of emotions, that is normal. Allow yourself to feel them, that is the first step in getting past them. Being courageous does not factor out feeling like fear and other feelings we do not like, no, it includes it. In the face of our fears, our grief, our doubts, we carry on. We believe that God is able and we stay encouraged (in-courage). We know that Jesus has overcome all there is in this world and we rest in knowing it. Then, the peace Jesus promised settles into our lives (Philippians 4:7).
Pray with me..., LORD, we struggle with peace. It is hard to accept much of what we experience in life. Our perfectionism, issues from our past, things we think we need, rob us of many of the blessings You give us each day. Help us to stay steadfast in You, as You are faithful to us, so we can experience Your peace. Lord, we ask Your blessing on our loved ones. We ask You blessing on our church, so we can be the people You call us to be, in Jesus name we pray, Amen.
God’s Peace,
Pastor Brian
