The Gift of Peace

"The Lord giveth and He taketh away. 

While He may take away, He will always give you something that you can give back to the world."

These words were said by a friend of mine. In their simplicity, these two sentences sent a resounding message tearing through my heart and soul. 

Not only were these sentences humbling, but they also reminded me of several unbelievable truths. Perhaps the most important message communicated was one of contentment.

Thoughts of my own discontented spirit flooded my mind as I contemplated the deeper meaning of my friend's words. He reminded me that despite my inadequacies, the Lord could still use me for something greater. 

 

The Lord wants to use His children, if only we are willing to share those gifts that He has given us. 

Suddenly I began to realize how often I focus on my inadequacies. Those things that I struggle with, or that don't come naturally are there to teach me patience. To help me to understand the hardships of others and to encourage me to reach out to those in need. Rather than dwelling on my frustrations, I should be thanking God for my inadequacies. 

Instead of complaining about my failures, I should thank Him that He is willing to teach me--a sinner-- how to love, to care, and to feel for those, just like me, who are genuinely struggling.

Beyond this, I fail to thank God for the specific gifts that He has given me. My friend reminded me that God always gives people gifts that they can share with those around them. Whether it is intelligence, the gift of hospitality, or the gift of joy, we are to use them for His glory--offering our lives as a sacrifice to Him who knows all things.

But this is not all. The main takeaway here is not just that "every good and perfect gift is from the Lord." No, the main message is that regardless of our inadequacies, and regardless of our gifts and talents, we are called to a few important things:

Philippians 4 calls us to "Rejoice in the Lord always."  The joy that the Lord gives us is abounding and this joy is to be shared with those around us.

Beyond this, we are called to "Be anxious about nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to the Lord." If we constantly fear our inadequacies, our anxiety paralyzes us, making us closed to the will of the Lord as He works in us to fulfill the plans He has for us. 

However, if we are thankful for God's goodness in giving us a specific calling---to consider our life worth nothing to us unless we share the Gospel of God's grace with those around us--- we will be given, "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding." This alone will guide our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus!

Philippians 4 continues as Paul tells us that He is content in all situations. Whether in trials or times of good cheer, Paul finds contentment. But this peace does not come from Paul himself. He says, " I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."

This truth is not just for Paul, it is for all of us. We can do everything through 

Christ alone. 

When we submit to His will and are content that the gifts He blesses us with are for a purpose much greater than ourselves, 

we find

peace.