Peace or not, choose God
By Ivan Ho First written 17 Jun 2016
But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Colossians 3:14-17 NKJV
I have heard preachers use Colossians 3:15 as a barometer to determine God’s will for one’s decisions in life. However, if read in context, there was no mention of “finding God’s will” in relation to internal feeling of peace at all! This is a classic example of how scriptures are being taken out of context.
Jesus’s soul was in agony when He had to face the pain of the cross, yet He submitted Himself to the will of God. I’m sure He did not felt “peace” at that moment in time.
And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
Luke 22:41-44 NKJV
Joseph had to struggle whether or not to marry Mary after he found out that his betrothed wife was pregnant with someone else’s child and decided to divorce her quietly before God changed his mind through His word in a dream.
Mary did not felt “peace” when angel Gabriel delivered God’s message about her being chosen to give birth to Jesus. No one in their right minds would feel peaceful when they heard such message! Yet Mary decided to follow God’s word regardless of her feelings.
Let the word of God, rather than our fickle feelings, be the umpire of our soul!