Today I read a Bible verse, one I've often read, and simply found comforting- but today, today it was a game changer.
I'd lost a lot of sleep the night before, being troubled in my heart over matters that kept circling in my mind. I knew I desperately needed God's counsel to strengthen my heart so I would have peace. I woke up early to seek the Lord through prayer and Bible study.
That's when it happened. This verse no longer came across to me as gentle comforting words but as the firm and decisive commands of the King of Kings.
His command was a shock to me. I didn't understand how to apply it. I knew I had not followed this command of Jesus for a long time. I was in a very weak state, concerning this command. I'd built sinful habits of mind in opposition to Jesus words for a long time.
I needed to be transformed by God's word.
Video Transcript:
I'd lost a lot of sleep the night before, being troubled in my heart over matters that kept circling in my mind. I knew I desperately needed God's counsel to strengthen my heart so I would have peace. I woke up early to seek the Lord through prayer and Bible study.
That's when it happened. This verse no longer came across to me as gentle comforting words but as the firm and decisive commands of the King of Kings.
His command was a shock to me. I didn't understand how to apply it. I knew I had not followed this command of Jesus for a long time. I was in a very weak state, concerning this command. I'd built sinful habits of mind in opposition to Jesus words for a long time.
I needed to be transformed by God's word.
Video Transcript:
Peace Devotions with Angela Schans
John 14:26-27 Amplified Version (AMP)
“ But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor--Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you. 27 Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]”
Today I became aware of a command I have not taken notice of nor obeyed for a very long time- An area I am weak in. An area I’m going to need to build some Godly character muscles in.
It’s going to require regular exercise, and pressing my limits till my limits expand and I grow in obedience and grace living in this command of Jesus.
I love Jesus commands! I KNOW they bring me life, liberty and freedom from the bondages of sin, and evil that is in the world system. I know Jesus commands are like wings that lift me above worldly strife, hardness, and darkness. His commands are my delight! I don’t shrink back from a command of Jesus, I RUN. I RUN full force to embrace His commands and earnestly seek to embrace His grace (the power and will) to obey them.
So, what was this command of Jesus I read today as if it was the first time I’d ever seen it?
John Chapter 14, verses 26 and 27.
“Do not let your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
Like a bombshell that went off in my understanding, for a moment, I simply felt shocked, deafened and confused.
What could this mean? How is this possible?
I compared my understanding of this command with my theology, and there was a problem.
How then do we defend the cause of the needy? How then do we fight against injustice? How do we take a stand against evil if we are not troubled nor afraid by the vicious attacks and evil threats? Where is the strength and power in this command?”
Looking more closely at the amplified version of Jesus command I saw these words:
“courage, strength, challenge, Helper, teach you, remind you” I took notice also of a couple verses preceding it:
John 14:18b (AMP) “I will not leave you as orphans [comfortless, bereaved, and helpless];”
And
John 14:17b (AMP) “the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you.”
In these verses I came to understand, keeping my peace, my courage, being untroubled and unafraid in heart, WILL be a challenge. But it is a challenge I am commanded by Jesus to accomplish.
[Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you...
Courage
and
strength
for every
challenge.]”
John 14:27 B (AMP)
It won’t come naturally. I will be pressed to go the natural way of being troubled in heart and afraid. I will be pressed.
BUT I am called to push against this and go in the opposite direction. Thankfully I’m not left alone in my efforts. Jesus gave me many resources in these verses:
- The knowledge that I am not alone, but the Holy Spirit will stay with me continually.
- The Holy Spirit will teach me what to do/say in every challenge
- The Holy Spirit will remind me of what Jesus said concerning the matter.
- It’s my free choice and responsibility to ALLOW the peace Jesus has given to me to:
- calm me.
- give me courage
- give me strength
John 14:26-27 Amplified Version (AMP)
“ But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor--Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you. 27 Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]”
John 14:26-27 Amplified Version (AMP)
