Peace . . .

When you think of the word "peace", what does it mean to you? Recently in church and other local meetings I have been to, I have been hearing alot about peace, and surrender. When I started thinking about it they go hand in hand. If you surrender to God you have peace and but with out that surrender you cannot have peace. In his morning message today Bro. Stetler said "peace is a condition of the heart on the inside and comes from God", and then he continued to say " if we stop the conflict or rebellion with God, when the battle with God is over then we will have peace." I know for me that was a turning point in my life, because I had to be willing to do what God wanted me to do. I could not say what I thought or what I believed it had to come from God. He had to direct my paths and I had to do his will. Is it always easy, no it is not because everything I do goes against the grain of what my husband believes or does not believe. I am not refering to me causing conflict in our marriage but it has to do with just following the Ten Commandment, and because of my Love for God has made me into a person who has lost an appetite for things of this world. I do not want to be associated with anything of this world, but I do want to show love to the people of this world so that they can see the love of Jesus. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you not as the world giveth, give I unto you, let not your be troubled." John 14:27 In this verse Jesus tells us his peace does not come from the world and I know this to be a fact because when I was of this world I had not peace and was quite miserable all the time and since letting Jesus take control of the my life I now have a peace in my heart that the world cannot take away. I could be in the worst of situations and still have this peace. "These things I have spoken "unto you that in me ye might have peace, in the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33 Here are a couple other verses that I love that speak about peace. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." Isaiah 26:3 "And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. I believe in God's peace and I know that it is attainable but there are times when I become overwelmed and feel like I am struggling. I also have a great support system at church who ask me how I am doing and they help me pray about the things I struggle with. I am greatful for this and appreciate all the wonderful people at Burlington Bible Methodist. God is helping me and giving me the grace to go through my trials.