Not Even a Piece of Peace
Oftentimes we try to discern God’s will in a specific situation
by asking Him to give us peace—
or to help us feel good about it.
If we feel those things, we assume it’s God’s will.
And if not? Oh, well. Must not be His will.
But why should we allow feelings to determine God’s will?
Especially since we’re told in Jeremiah 17:9 that
“the heart is deceitful above all things.”
Feelings can mislead us!
I don’t hear Abraham singing
“I’ve got peace like a river” in Genesis 12:1
when God told him to leave his homeland
and go to . . . well, actually God didn’t even
give him a destination . . . he just said, “Go.”
And in Genesis 22:1-19 when God told him to sacrifice his son, Isaac,
I don’t think Abraham’s heart was exploding with joy.
It was probably just exploding.
Even though God instructed the Israelites—His chosen people—
to cross the Red Sea, Exodus 14:10 shows us they were
horrifically frightened as they approached the water.
Yes, God DID part the sea (Exodus 14:21) when Moses stretched out
his hand, but the choir wasn’t singing “It Is Well With my Soul.”
They were scared spitless.
I’m guessing David’s heart skipped a few beats when he saw
what a beast Goliath was. If he’d waited until he felt good about it,
or peaceful about facing a monster . . .
he may never have approached the enemy.
And the Israelites may never have crossed the Red Sea.
Abraham probably would have stayed home.
Joseph may not have risked taking Mary and Jesus
during the night to Egypt.
Paul would’ve never preached to the Gentiles.
Stephen would not have preached before being killed.
Timothy would have stayed with his grandma instead of pastoring a church.
Esther would not have risked approaching the king to save the Jews.
Joshua probably wouldn’t have used marching around a wall as
a war strategy.
And Mary may not have said “yes.”
I’m guessing none of these people felt the calm of peace.
Probably every single one of them were frightened,
unsure
and
nervous.
So what moved them forward?
Faith.
Abraham believed, and it was credited to him as righteousness
(see Romans 4:3).
David. Paul. Joseph. Stephen. Esther. Moses.
Mary. Joshua. Timothy. Stephen.
All were nervous.
But they responded in faith and moved forward.
So what does this mean for us?
We can’t trust our feelings.
We CAN trust our Savior.
Thoughts?
Please pray for me this weekend as I speak in Parkersburg, WV.
Thank you Susie this is right on time new doors are opening! I read a book years ago “ Feel the fear and Do it Anyway” This is what I needed praise God for his selfless Servants! Love and Prayers .
Shellenberger has been talking and writing about his bizarre plan to bring peace to the Korean Peninsula by supporting the development of nuclear power in North Korea.
Powerful piece!!! I feel good about it!!
Yes!!! I hear God. I follow God. After, I can find peace, but sometimes it just opens another door to walk through. One thing I’ve learned, I’d rather follow God and stay with Him, then follow a path alone.
I often quote a well-known psychotherapist that says, “feelings follow action”. That came to mind when I was reading this and I believe that is part of our faith “walk”.
What a great reminder to put our complete faith and trust in the Lord and to let him guide us in every thing we do. Thank you for sharing.
Such a great message. Thank you for making me think. I struggle with my emotions sometimes, so this was a great reminder to be careful in that area and to lean on my faith in my Father rather than my comfort. Thanks again!
Powerful words! Thank you for the strong challenge to accept God at His word and be obedient. Praying for you!
Susie, Thank you for this reminder! You are loved, appreciated & prayed for.
Another great message Susie, thank you very much.
Amen to that Susie. I know listening to my feelings back in the day got me in trouble. I tried saying to myself what would Jesus do, and in stead of praying about that I thought oh that will be ok ..WRONG !!! So I learned. Love and appreciate you Susie.❤