Peace! Have you ever given the value of peace much thought? In Romans 5 we are immediately hit with this surprising truth: a right relationship with God brings peace.
Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Faith triumphs.
We do not have to pursue peace like some illusive dream for the rest of our lives. No,. Christ Jesus is our peace! There is nothing like this peace from God for it surpasses all understanding, and it literally guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
… The Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything, but in everything through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
According to Webster’s Dictionary, peace is a state of tranquility or quiet. It is freedom from disquieting, oppressive thoughts or emotions. Internal peace comes from above.
Internal peace is the intimate joy of knowing God personally. We are no longer strangers nor long-distant. The soul finds rest, contentment, and satisfaction in Christ. Peace overshadows the mind, affections, emotions, and conscience of the believer.
If that were not enough, we are given more! We are given access.
Faith Triumphs in Unlimited Access
We have also obtained access through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
Can you image coming to the Lord and only finding this sign at His door, “Access Denied”? My heart trembles at the thought.
According to Webster’s dictionary, access is the freedom or ability to obtain or enter in freely. Faith triumphs in unlimited access.
We have access in times of trouble, in times of plenty, in times of lack, in times of peace, in times of war, and always have access to God as our ever-present help.
It is true, a stranger is utterly untouchable, but we are secure in God’s constant companionship because we are no longer strangers. We know God as He is through Jesus Christ.
Faith Triumphs in Christ Jesus
The world is so tense and strained that they’re in danger of a complete nervous and mental breakdown. They do not know God nor the peace that comes from fellowship with Him.
They believe the lie, “access denied.”
The blood bought salvation is more than a ticket to heaven!
Only when we realize God is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ can we ever enter such a closeness that it calms our minds and soothes our souls.
Faith Triumphs in Real Time
By faith, we can approach the Holy One in Spirit and truth at all times.
The King of kings and Lord of lords opens the door and, by grace, we can approach Him without fear. In His presence, there is no condemnation, no judgment, and no wrath. There is only the undeserved, incredible kindness of God.
Sadly, the world exists in the stormy waves of darkness and turmoil, ultimately ending in death. Christ, though, offers a safe harbor, and all who enter in will find peace and life eternal.
Faith Triumphs in Affliction
In spite of what someone may have told you, Christians are not immune to trouble. We all see difficult circumstances, sorrow, sickness, persecution, and maybe even loneliness.
Don’t worry,this trouble is not a waste for it is builds in us endurance and produces a proven character.
We also rejoice in our afflictions because we know affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who was given to us.
According to Webster’s dictionary, endurance is the ability to withstand hardship, adversity, or stress. Spiritually, endurance produces in a spirit to over-come. We are the over-comers, not passively but actively overcoming every trial and tribulation.
The soul that finds peace in God is an unconquerable soul!
Faith Triumphs in Christ Alone
I’ve learned the hard way how faith triumphs in Christ alone.
If we try to live in this “with-God” life by our own efforts, then we are tossed by the merciless waves of an angry tempest storm like sailors on the open seas.
We can never do for ourselves what God has done for us.
“But wait a minute,” you might say. “Life is hard, and I don’t feel like an overcomer!”
God knows what is happening and sends you comfort while producing in you endurance and proven character.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
Consider it great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know the testing of your faith produces endurance and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking another.
Faith Triumphs in Truth
Why do so many Christians carry an illegal load of guilt, fear, and self-condemnation? I call it illegal because they do not have to carry them.
Sadly, they are ignorant of God’s Word.
Such ignorance robs them of serving the Lord with joy and thanksgiving.
Let us be ignorant no more. Settle God’s Sacred Scripture in your hearts, examine your struggles, and be prepared for God’s hand of grace, strength, and endurance.
An unkept, unguarded, untouched, and unyielded heart will always bear heartache and pain.
God reconciled Himself to us so that we can live a with-God life – a life of peace and unlimited access to the Holy.
Faith Triumphs in The Secret Place
When we go through trials or temptations, the enemy of our soul is determined to make things even more miserable for us. Satan wants to persuade us to throw in the towel. But can we honestly believe that there is anything that can really move us out of God’s grace?
Can we honestly believe that there is anything that can move us out of God’s grace and enduring love?
Hogwash! Nothing can separate us from the love of God!
Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can affliction or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “Because of you we are being put to death all day long; we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Do you want to silence those lies? Then run, do not walk, to the Secret Place and shut yourself in. Open God’s Word and, in the holy hush, listen to Him. A gentle voice will comfort you.
Remember, we have peace with Christ and unlimited access, so lay hold of Christ, enter His presence, and silence that voice of the enemy.
Emerge from this shut-in experience anew: powerful in faith, soothed in soul, and calm in spirit.
A character built in the presence of the Holy always endures.
Faith Triumphs in the Battle
Jesus is already our Victor. He does not expect us to fight the battle alone or face the battle ill-equipped. Faith triumphs in the battle, so hold on to Christ and enjoy the resources He has reserved for you.
This is the secret; Jesus is the Vine and we are the branches. Spiritual growth and maturity come from drawing refreshment and nourishment from the Vine.
Jesus is the Word made flesh. He dwelt among us and dwells still.
The Holy Spirit is quick to provide help, counsel, and guidance. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth leading us, as we read God’s word, to wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.
If you love Me, you will keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive Him because it doesn’t see Him or know Him. But you do know Him because He remains with you and will be in you.
Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
Faith Triumphs in Relationship
Be steadfast in your faith. Once we were alienated and enemies by the wicked deceits of Satan.
The liar lies, but Jesus is the Truth. Our faith triumphs in Him – in relationship.
Christ reconciled us for relationship, set aside for God’s purposes, and free access in fellowship with Him whenever, wherever, and whatever way He may choose.
Once you were alienated and hostile in your minds expressed in your evil actions. But now He has reconciled you by His physical body through His death to present you holy, faultless, and blameless before him – if indeed you remain grounded and steadfast in the faith and not shifted away from the hope of that gospel that you heard…
Faith Triumphs in Proven Character
Whew! It’s not easy being a Christian, but the reward is fabulous.
Trouble produces endurance, and endurance produces proven character. The proven character is tested and tried and not found wanting.
We go through affliction, but on the other side of the affliction we are stronger, confident, and nearer to Christ.
Webster’s dictionary tells us that affliction is something that is hard to bear. It generally applies to anything causing pain or suffering or acute annoyance, embarrassment, or any distress.
Affliction comes, but we’re not driven to despair, but triumph! The challenge was great, but God is greater still. We made it through God’s love that He freely poured so freely into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.
The with-God life is founded in the love of God.
Sadly, the world sets their hope in what is hopeless. But our hope is firm and secure in Christ Jesus. Our hope is built on nothing less Jesus Christ and His righteousness.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are comforted, it is your comfort which produces in you patient en-durance of the same suffering we suffer.
Faith Triumphs in God’s Goodness
God refuses to let us become weak and flabby. He allows things to happen for a good reason. God is good–everything He does is good.
We refuse to whine and complain. We face the challenge head on without fear. Our character is proven, safe, and secure.
Our hope is in the enduring love of God.
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good. His faithful love endures forever. 136:1 NIV)
Reflection
- Have you been struggling lately? How’s your faith?
- Read with new eyes Romans 5:1-5 and write down in your journal your thoughts.
“If the blind put their hand in God’s, they find their way more surely than those who see but have not faith or purpose.”
Helen Keller
My prayer and hope is that this study has encouraged you so you do not merely possess faith, but faith possesses you.
May the grace and peace of God, our Father, be yours in Christ Jesus.
Blessings,
Republished with permission from Blogs.crossmap.com, featuring inspiring Bible verses about faith.
