“You needn’t be a fisherman to experience a perfect storm. . . . We can handle and challenge . . . but two or three at a time? One wave after another, gale forces followed by thunderstorms? It’s enough to make you wonder, Will I survive? – Max Lucado
“The peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”- Philippians 4:7
In Chapter 8 (“God’s Peace, Your Peace”) of Anxious for Nothing, Max Lucado asserts that Jesus offers the perfect peace whenever you’re facing the perfect storm. First, Pastor Lucado defines the perfect storm as a tempest no sailor can escape. Furthermore, it’s perfect in the sense that several factors work together to create the unsurmountable disaster. Hardly the ideal situation.
However, as we rejoice in the Lord, pursue a gentle spirit, pray about everything, and hold on to gratitude, God does His part. Max explains:
” He bestows on us the peace of God. Note, this is not a peace from God. Our Father gives us the very peace of God. He downloads the tranquility of the throne room into our world, resulting in an inexplicable calm. We should be worried, but we aren’t. We should be upset, but we are comforted. The peace of God transcends all logic, scheming, and efforts to explain it.”
Most noteworthy, this kind of peace is God’s gift, not the result of human achievement. As a result, Pastor Lucado states, Jesus promises you the vintage of peace that:
- calmed His heart in the midst of false accusations
- steadied His voice when He spoke to Pilate
- kept His thoughts clear and heart pure as He hung on the cross
And this peace, the apostle Paul reminds us, guards our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Today’s question: How does Jesus give you perfect peace in your perfect storm? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Fear – coming at you from all sides?”
