The Gift of Peace

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

The betrayal had begun. The crucifixion was knocking at the door. Jesus was about to suffer the unimaginable, but instead of dwelling on His own fate, Jesus used His final moments before his arrest to encourage His disciples. These same words can bring comfort to you and me thousands of years later.

There’s an old saying that goes, “You gotta go through it to get to it.” There are some potholes we can steer clear of, but others cannot be avoided no matter how safely we drive the car. Trials and sorrows of life are not optional, but in the midst of those trials and sorrows, we too can have peace in Christ.

Jesus said to his disciples, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give” (John 14:27). Peace of mind and heart that is found in Christ is the greatest gift you can receive, a gift the world does not have the capability to offer.

Are you facing an insurmountable trial? I get that. Now might be a good time to unwrap the gift of peace. Don’t lean on your own understanding. Just press in. It’s okay to say, “Lord, I don’t understand.” Jesus didn't expect the disciples to understand everything that was about to happen in their lives before he offered them the gift of peace. Your trials don’t take him by surprise either. It’s okay. Jesus knows you’re gonna need peace on the front end.