“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:7
Since my stroke, I too often rationalize my self-pity by thinking others should understand how difficult things are for me. But Paul doesn’t talk about understandable self-pity; rather, he says that peace in hardship transcends understanding.
In 1900, 188 missionaries and 32,000 Chinese Christians were murdered for their faith in part of what became known as The Boxer Rebellion. One missionary for whom death was imminent was Lizzie Atwater, a young pregnant missionary from the United States. She wrote her parents, “I long for a sight of your faces, but I fear we shall not meet on earth…. I am prepared for the end quietly and calmly. The Lord is wonderfully near and He will not fail me…. My married life—two precious years—have been so full of happiness. We will die together, my dear husband and I.” Twelve days later, they and six others were brutally murdered.
Lizzie’s words, based on her trust in God, contain a peace that goes beyond understanding. But it is not beyond reach. It’s a peace available for you and me, too!
In 1900, 188 missionaries and 32,000 Chinese Christians were murdered for their faith in part of what became known as The Boxer Rebellion. One missionary for whom death was imminent was Lizzie Atwater, a young pregnant missionary from the United States. She wrote her parents, “I long for a sight of your faces, but I fear we shall not meet on earth…. I am prepared for the end quietly and calmly. The Lord is wonderfully near and He will not fail me…. My married life—two precious years—have been so full of happiness. We will die together, my dear husband and I.” Twelve days later, they and six others were brutally murdered.
Lizzie’s words, based on her trust in God, contain a peace that goes beyond understanding. But it is not beyond reach. It’s a peace available for you and me, too!
Scripture Focus
Romans 15:13
Insight
Even in the direst circumstances, a peace that is hardly comprehensible comes when we trust the One who made us and loves us.
Bible In A Year
- 2 Samuel 20-21
- Psalm 146
- 1 Timothy 1-2
