Have Peace - you will suffer

When we think of the resolutions we make, they are positive. We want to be better, stronger, greater, ect. Most of us don’t make resolutions like, I want to suffer more, or I want troubles, but in the Christian life, we are told that we will have troubles.

So how do we reconcile this idea that we should strive to better, that we should desire to the best that we can with the gifts and talents that God has given us and the fact that we are going to have trouble?

The burden of the resolution often results in failure sometime later. The gyms are full in January and by March…. They are almost back to the normal crowd. But Jesus told his disciples that all these troubles would come – so that they would have peace.

You’re going to suffer! Have peace… it doesn’t quite sound right….

Working at a Christian camp from time to time we were encouraged during difficult times that when God is working in such significant ways, we shouldn’t be surprised that the devil puts up a fight. So yes, if we are doing God’s will, we will have trouble! Take courage, you’re on the right path!

Perhaps the fact that we will suffer can help us shape our goals and resolutions better. I will strive to maintain a healthy body so that I  can glorify God and maybe learn better self-discipline in the process. But I know that I will age and my body will break and I look forward to the new body I will receive in heaven.  I commit to managing my money more wisely – so that I can be part of Christ’s Kingdom coming here on earth.  I commit to spending more time with family and friends instead of screens because God loves people, not pixels.

So how does your faith impact your resolutions?

Are the resolutions we make a way of once again dying to sin and picking up our cross and following Christ?

How will you react when you can’t keep your resolution? When we fail? When we grow old?

John 16:33

³³ “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

'and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace'

I was reading this passage over, and in the light of recent news reports and conversation about peace, it stands out.

Peace. It seems that our world is anything but peaceful. It doesn't take long to find stories of how peace is shattered. Tensions are high, the attack in Ottawa, the light-rail attack in Jerusalem, the continuing devastating attacks in Syria, the uncertainty of ISIS, the spread of Ebola, and numerous other events, long-term and sudden crises that can shake up close to home or far away.

Stand your ground. It is a phrase that is used earlier in this passage. Soldier are ready before the battle even begins. They are familiar with their equipment, of which their shoes are an important part. They may have walked many miles in those shoes before they see anything. Just as in your favourite running shoes, you know when they start to loosen up in places, how to adjust or tighten the laces to make it feel 'fitted' again.

It seems that we often wait until a time of turmoil to think about and seek 'peace', but if we have a gospel of peace, should we not familiar it before? Should we not know where we stand and what this gospel require of us? Have our shoes become loose in ways that we don't know how to fix?

The other day I had a conversation with a group of fellow students about peace and what it looks like. As foreigners we don't have the ability to fight the local fight for peace. It isn't our fight, we are merely bystanders, who can encourage, but we can't solve it alone. And while this isn't our fight, we can't take a role of apathy either, our role is different.

In the conversation it came out that Christ didn't concern himself with the nationalistic vision of Israel - to get rid of the Romans, but rather many of his teachings are concerned with the relationship closer to you, making peace with a brother, loving a neighbor, respecting authority, or welcoming children.

When considering this - the turmoil that happens - it is within a large picture, it concerns people on a nationalistic level.  Yet it seems to impact us on a individual, all the while, think about yesterday, my relationship with people I came in contact with didn't change at all because of it. I was no more or no less at 'peace' with anyone I talked to, yet my mind was more consumed with thought and concerns of 'peace'.

What if this gospel of peace is more concerned with the relationships of the people around us than the lack of conflicts on a national level. What if we were more concerned about the persons who we came in contact with, that the big scary 'thing' 'out there'.

Feet fitted with the readiness.  Knowing where I stand before I try to fight. I know 'gospel' means good news, and I know that Christ is the Prince of Peace. The good news of peace. Peace on all levels. Paul reminds us that our sins have been paid for and we can be at peace with God. If we use that peace to define peace, just as we use the model of God's love to define real love.  (we love because he first loved us)

If we are at peace with God, we truly have little to worry about. We know the bigger picture. God will win the victory. Our Father knows what we need, and will provide it. Therefore if we are certain of this peace, it should show up throughout our lives. and just like ebola starts with one case and spreads, maybe peace should be the same way, starting with each person who fearlessly declares the mystery of the gospel to spread peace within their circles of contact.

I am not saying these things to belittle the events that are happening. We are commanded to 'pray on all occasion, with all kinds of prayers and request,'  but we also have access to the greatest peace and maybe in the times of turmoil, the greater the contrast, and the greater message.