Peace Beyond Understanding

Scripture: “As surely as the LORD your God lives,” she replied, I don’t have any bread – only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it – and die. Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home ad do as you have said. …. For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel says: “The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day of the LORD gives rain on the land.”” She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family.” I Kings 17:12-15

I had an interesting conversation with my best friend just a few days ago. We have been roommates for several years and on Sunday, I mused, “It’s amazing how God has stretched our finances. We shouldn’t be surviving on what we make – and yet, He somehow makes every penny stretch.” By HIS miraculous provision, HE is pulling us through this tough economy. It made me think of the above scripture about Elijah and the widow. Our finances ARE like the oil and flour.

The next day, I received news that my employment with Avery was coming to and end in November.

After the initial shock wore off, I entered into a phase of alternate panic/worry and peace.

Today, however, I feel the Lord’s peace in a way that cannot be explained. A “peace beyond understanding.” (Philippians 4:7) By the world’s standards, I SHOULD be panicked and worried. And of course I am concerned. But through my awesome sisters and brothers in Christ, I have heard such encouragement – and confirmation that God is in this. He always turns the bad in my life to good. Always. I am a walking testament of God’s turning my lemons into lemonade. From losing family members, property, employment, a roof over my head .. He has NEVER left me destitute – and the blessings always seem to come forward despite the hurdles and hardships that are thrown in front of me.

I stand here today with the full confidence that no matter what happens – He will provide for me. It doesn’t matter what the worldly circumstances are in front of me, because I know ultimately God is in control. I am drenched in His beautiful Presence. I cannot describe it any better than that. And I know full well it is not my own strength or power that I feel this way – but His, because all I can do at times like these is spread my arms open wide and say to God, “Ok, Lord. Where are You taking us now?”

I can only figure He gives me such strength and peace in order to share my testimony to encourage others. I find it incredulous that I am in this unbelievable, almost ridiculous phase of my life of being content in this circumstance I find myself in (Philippians 4:11) despite how it looks or seems. I can’t explain it, but I have a joy and peace in my life at this very moment that can ONLY be provided by the Holy Spirit. Each step I take, I find myself blessed in one way or another.

That’s not to say hard times are not ahead of me. But it’s times like these I grip my Father’s hand all the more, because at this point, all I can do is look up at him with a smile on my face and say, “Where are we going?” But wherever I’m led, I’m glad he’s by my side.

Prayer: Lord, help all of our brothers and sisters being affected by the world and the economy. Hold them all through hard times, and help them to look up and see Your hand in their midst as you care for each and every one of us. Help us to hold onto Your hand as You guide us through the peaks and valleys of life. Amen

Prayer request: For not only us as believers to hold onto God all the more - but for non-believers to learn Who God is through this crisis of economy we are all facing. May non-believers come to realize they can't do it on their own, and they need a Savior. And may they grow into mature Christians through their experience, and not just Crisis Christians.