2 Kings 22-23
John 4:31-54

“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

How are we doing today? Wherever we find ourselves, we can have peace, knowing that God knows our struggles, and He knows our failings. He comes to us when we cry out to Him. He picks us back up, and He says, “Are you willing to walk again? Are you willing to keep your eyes on Me and let Me carry you? Will you let My peace rule in your life? Would you let My Word do its work in your life? Just keep your eyes fixed on Me and allow My peace to rule in your life.”

Paul exhorts, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful” (Colossians 3:15). Paul reminds us that the peace of Christ is not something that we try to muster up. Rather, it is God’s work. As Paul says, “...for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfil His good purpose” (Philippians 2:13). God wants to carry out His purposes through us, and it functions by letting His peace rule in our hearts. Apart from Christ, it is impossible, but in Christ all things become possible. God never intended for us to live separated from Him. We were created to live in dependence upon God.

If we are overwhelmed and struggling to live a holy life because the sins of the past are wrapped around us, or maybe we are struggling to live into healthy community or maybe we are experiencing brokenness, may we be reminded that God has grace for us. Because while we were dead, before we had done anything good or bad, God made us alive. Not because of how great we are, but because of what Christ did on the cross.

We can do what Scripture says: “…continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,” (Philippians 2:12). We can actually live a righteous life, free from the captivity of sin, and extend forgiveness towards others, but Christ is the peace that is required to activate it. He is the power source that makes it run; He is almost like the batteries that need to be in the device to make it operational.

If we have drifted, are discouraged or feeling defeated today, the good news is that even when death is reigning in our lives, God can step in and make dead things live again. Paul reminds us, “being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).

Almighty God, I come before You in my brokenness and struggles. I cannot do this life apart from You. Thank You for making me alive in You. Amen!

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