Peace

According to Merriam-Webster, "peace" is defined as a state of tranquility or quiet, freedom from war, or harmony in personal relations. It can also refer to a state of security provided by law, an inner mental state free from emotional distress, or a formal agreement to end a conflict. While all of this sounds great, we know all these things will always be with us. So, how is peace possible? Years ago, I was in Israel, and my Israeli tour guide was talking about all the wars, and he said, “All we want is peace”. That really struck a chord with me. We were in the land where Jesus walked and taught. Where was he looking for peace? He was looking to man, not God. True peace can only come from God.

The Hebrew word we translate as peace is “shalom.” The way “shalom” is used does not mean to feel calm nor the absence of conflict. Instead, shalom, peace, is the result of right relationships with God. The concept of peace is wholeness in all of life. This peace that Jesus was talking about means rest, quiet or a stillness in your heart. It is not the absence of trouble, but it exists in spite of trouble.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27

It seems we are at a place in time where so many people are searching for answers and Peace. The world feels uncertain to us as things are changing. The word peace is used about 250 times in the Bible. Peace is something we all desire in our lives and true peace only comes through the person of Jesus Christ. Colossians 3:15 says, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts”. One of my favorites is Luke 7:50 where Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you, go in Peace”. This is one I have personally seen come true for so many women.

This week I was reminded of a story of peace from a young woman that we helped after she was rescued from being trafficked. Joy was trafficked when she was about 12 years old. She was rescued in her early twenties and was pregnant. She gave birth to a boy. Rahab’s Rope was providing housing and the needs for Joy and her son. One morning when our staff checked on Joy, she shared with them what had happened during the night. She said she woke up around 1:30 am and couldn’t sleep. At this point Joy was not a believer but we had given her a Bible. She said she began to read the Bible and started talking to God and telling Him all the things she had done. She began crying, she thought about all the people that had hurt her, and she wanted to forgive them for all they had done to her. She kept crying to God and talking to Him about her life. She told God she just wanted to follow Him. As soon as she said those words she said she felt complete peace come to her. We were so excited for Joy and that in the stillness of the night she came to know true Peace. Today Joy has a job, and her son is going to school. 

All of this is possible because you support the work of Rahab’s Rope. 

Thank you for all the ways you give! Blessings - Vicki

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him".  

 Romans 15:13