Coming Over Us! (part 1 of 2)

“I don’t know what came over me?” Those words have been stated when actions have taken place that might not ordinarily be done, whether they be of a negative or positive nature. Focusing on the positive, there have been times people have responded to a situation with greater bravery, calm, or strength than they ever imagined they could possess under the circumstances. What was done could not be explained other than it having been what the situation called for. Some explain it in accordance with the body’s rush of adrenaline. Others may simply call it “will” power! Still others might call it the power of love! Even the word “miracle” gets used at times.

There are also times people have feelings come over them that they cannot fully understand. It just happens and may be experienced in a manner that aids in hanging in there or moving on even in the midst of trying times. Does such mark our life experience in any way because of our relationship with Christ? There are at least two things Paul mentioned that we as Christians can experience even though we may not be able to fully comprehend or explain them. Let us consider the first one today and (Lord Willing) the second tomorrow.

To the church at Philippi Paul wrote. . .
“(5) Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; (6) do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (7) And THE PEACE OF GOD, WHICH SURPASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ( Philippians 4:5-7 ESV)

The peace Jesus came to give is not the same as that on which the world focuses. (note John 14:27 and John 16:33) The world views PEACE as being “from” or “around” while the PEACE we can experience as Christians is “in spite of”. This becomes the experience because we know there are greater things of significance than just what happens in this realm. It is possible to have a lack of PEACE around us and still have a sense of PEACE within as we trust in God to work things out according to His timetable and Will.

Has this sense of PEACE come over us that is beyond explanation because of the relationship we have with God through Christ? Have there been life situations when others have observed a sense of PEACE in us when such did not appear to make sense with everything going on around us? Has our focus on our relationship to God made a visible difference in our approach to life’s chaotic and challenging moments? When our focus is fixed on God and the hope He has assured us of in Christ, we can experience a PEACE that exceeds our understanding (and that of the world) as it powerfully instills in us a calming faith that aids us in patiently hanging in there as we press on in spite of adversity. May such a sense of PEACE become the wonder of those around us.

Have a great day EXPERIENCING GOD’S AWESOME INSIDE JOB!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Understanding