Recently, Monica had a conversation with her 11-year-old son Philip that gave her a different perspective and some peace:

“I had a very deep conversation with Philip on our way home yesterday about this world and the tough stuff going on, and he gave me a new hope and perspective on it.  Who knew talking to my 11-year-old would give me hope and joy in a dim time in our world?  I love and cherish these moments!  In Philip’s words, ‘Mom, we love God and He loves us!  He has our backs in this world, and we do not have to fear because He told us not to.  He told us He is for us!  We have to remember that and know that we have heaven waiting for us after this.’”

Here’s where Philip gets his information and insight:

Jesus said to His disciples: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?  He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:31-32).

“Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage!  It is I. Do not be afraid’” (Matthew 14:27).

Jesus comforted His troubled followers with these words: "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:1-3).

Take note: Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation,” but “in Me you will have peace” (John 16:33).

Through Jesus, we can have peace with God (Romans 5:1), for Jesus died on the cross to pay the price for our sins (Ephesians 1:7).

God will give peace, salvation, and eternal life to those who place their faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).  He will continue to cleanse from sin and provide peace for those who continue to walk in the light of His Word (1 John 1:7; Philippians 4:6-7).

Won’t YOU trust and obey Him today?

-- David A. Sargent