Powered by Peace

I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. JOHN 14:27 NLT 

Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw Him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” 

Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” He said. “Take courage. I am here!” 

Then Peter called to Him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” 

“Yes, come,” Jesus said. 

So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 

But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. (Matthew 14:24–31 NLT) 

“LORD, help!” they cried in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. (Psalm 107:28–29 NLT) 

The LORD gives His people strength. The LORD blesses them with peace. (Psalm 29:11 NLT) 

I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. (John 14:27 NLT) 

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. . . . Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:6–9 NLT) 

A NOTE FROM CANDACE 

Have you ever started tackling a new project or a new job, full of enthusiasm, only to get knocked down by a series of challenges or difficulties? One minute you’re cruising along, and then all of a sudden, you get hit by a tidal wave of complications, details, and decisions. 

Or maybe the pressure rises gradually. With each obstacle, you start to feel a little more anxious, a little more frustrated, or discouraged—until it’s just too overwhelming. Maybe you’re facing some unexpected opposition from people you thought were on board with you. And before you know it, you’re sinking. 

Peter, in Matthew 14, felt that way. When Jesus called him to “Come!” he leapt out of the boat, full of faith. He was eager to accept the invitation, ready to embrace the adventure, the experience. Looking into the eyes of Jesus, he took those first few steps—and it felt ah-mazing! 

But then he looked around at the whipping winds. He looked down at the surging seas. The magnitude of what he was attempting hit him hard. How was this even possible? Who was he to think he could walk on water? He must be crazy! Maybe he couldn’t do it, after all. 

And just like that, he started to sink. 

That’s when he made the smartest move ever. Seriously.  

He cried out, “Lord, save me!” 

I love how the Bible says Jesus reached out “immediately” and grabbed him. Like He was totally ready for it! He knew that Peter was going to need Him, and He was there instantly. 

Jesus calmed Peter’s fears and He calmed the seas. He spoke peace to the storm, inside and out. This peace empowered Peter to rise up out of the depths of despair—to rise above those panicky feelings and walk on water. Successfully. 

You know, Jesus promises us that same peace today. His peace. Perfect peace. No matter what our circumstances, no matter what storms we face, His peace is ready and available immediately, to power you and me. 

What do you think of when you hear the word “peace”? What images or feelings come to mind? When have you experienced moments of peace in your life? What was it like? 

This is an excerpt from Unstoppable, the newest devotional guide from Candace Cameron Bure.