My answered prayer for peace

Wednesday, June 15th, 2016     by Sue Schlesman     Start the Conversation

I’m in the middle of a pretty huge decision, regarding someone else’s care. I’ve lost a good bit of sleep over it and spent a lot of time in research and analysis. I’ve been praying, too, for wisdom and direction. (Lightning bolts would be helpful.)

Then Monday afternoon, I made a decision, which I obsessed over Monday night when I should have been sleeping.

Tuesday morning I prayed again–this time, for peace, for an answer, and for my own faith to grow. I opened to John 14 because I know that’s where Jesus talks to His disciples about peace. They’re in the garden, and He knows that Judas Iscariot is showing up any minute to betray Him. He knows that torture, humiliation, and grief will follow. He knows His Father will reject Him, and His mother will weep before Him.

Yet He says, “I am leaving you 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)

The world cannot give me peace. Neither can analysis, public opinion, common sense,  or straightforward decisiveness.

Only Jesus. And it’s His gift to me, if I take it.

I took it.

And then an expert called me and affirmed the decision I had made on Monday. Jesus knows that sometimes, I need affirmation from multiple sources. But His gift–the peace of heart and mind–is really enough for me. Why would I want to stay troubled, when such a gift awaits my opening?

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