Dear Church Family –
Lately, my heart and mind have been with people in Israel, under daily and dire threat from a sworn enemy intent on their destruction. I can’t imagine living everyday like that, and yet, in another way, I can.
Every believer in Christ lives, or should live, in a state of constant vigilance and readiness. We live daily under the threat of a formidable enemy intent on our destruction.
“Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
Interestingly, in the Bible God invites us into a life of peace and harmony and tranquility. But at the same time, the Bible equips us for a life of battle, and calls us to a life of continual vigilance and decisive response to attacks.
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” (Eph 6:11)
Peace and warfare existing simultaneously? Yes. Alexander Maclaren was a highly respected and popular pastor and author in Great Britain in the late 1800s and early 1900s. He made this observation about God’s peace: “However profound and real that Divine peace is, it is to be enjoyed in the midst of warfare. God’s peace is not [inertia]. The man that has it has still to wage continual conflict, and day by day to brace himself anew for the fight. The highest energy of action is the result of the deepest calmness of heart. That peace of God…is peace militant.”
God’s peace is not the absence of conflict, it is the result of right conflict.
Joni Eareckson Tada said it like this: “Christ is not a magic wand to be waved over your problems. Peace doesn’t come that way. As we make the tough choices to hold fast to His grace, divine peace surges through us. As hard as life is, militant peace arrives at the instant we exercise faith during the battle. It gives us strength to say, ‘I can do this. I can make this tough choice for the honor of Christ. I can. I will trust Him!’ So try it….Look for peace and contentment through the hard yet simple choices you will make throughout the day.”
I’m praying today for people in Israel to know the peace of God through Christ that passes all understanding, even while in daily war. And I’m praying for each of you to be faithful and strong in the daily battle for truth and righteousness, and to experience God’s peace.
We’ll see you Sunday as we gather to be refreshed in God’s peace, realigned with His truth, and reinvigorated to fight the good fight. – Pastor Tim
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