“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27)
As I reflect on this verse, I find great comfort in knowing that the Holy Spirit has promised us His Peace. I am in the midst of recovering from an illness. The physical pain seems so unbearable at times. My head hurts from a migraine headache. My body feels week from the effects of the flu. My back hurts. I feel chills all over my body. And while suffering through this physical pain, I also have to care for my young children. They are still so dependent on me for most of their needs.
As I reflect on this verse, I find great comfort in knowing that the Holy Spirit has promised us His Peace. I am in the midst of recovering from an illness. The physical pain seems so unbearable at times. My head hurts from a migraine headache. My body feels week from the effects of the flu. My back hurts. I feel chills all over my body. And while suffering through this physical pain, I also have to care for my young children. They are still so dependent on me for most of their needs.
As I change diapers, feed the baby, put the other on her potty, bathe and clothe them, all while experiencing this physical pain, I am reminded that my suffering is not in vain. I am reminded by the Holy Spirit that I can offer up my suffering for the most hardened of hearts. I do not know how God will use my suffering to help another soul, but it gives me peace knowing that my suffering will not be in vain.
Our Lord says in John 14:27: The world would tell us often that suffering is not good. The world tells us we should alleviate suffering as soon as possible. If you experience physical pain, there are a ton of pain killers for it. If someone in the hospital is suffering, the world is quick to euthanize so as to end the suffering. But the Holy Spirit reminds us not to be afraid and not to let our hearts be troubled. Our suffering is a wonderful gift. Jesus is allowing us to kiss His cross and to experience His suffering on Calvary. God is giving us the opportunity to unite our suffering with His on the cross. The world doesn’t understand this, but we Christians are so blessed to have a God that truly knows what suffering is! So if you are suffering, just remember that God gives His toughest battles to His strongest soldiers. Whatever battles we face, big or small, may the peace of the Holy Spirit be with us always.
Our Lord says in John 14:27: The world would tell us often that suffering is not good. The world tells us we should alleviate suffering as soon as possible. If you experience physical pain, there are a ton of pain killers for it. If someone in the hospital is suffering, the world is quick to euthanize so as to end the suffering. But the Holy Spirit reminds us not to be afraid and not to let our hearts be troubled. Our suffering is a wonderful gift. Jesus is allowing us to kiss His cross and to experience His suffering on Calvary. God is giving us the opportunity to unite our suffering with His on the cross. The world doesn’t understand this, but we Christians are so blessed to have a God that truly knows what suffering is! So if you are suffering, just remember that God gives His toughest battles to His strongest soldiers. Whatever battles we face, big or small, may the peace of the Holy Spirit be with us always.