Peace

[0:00] A Pastor's Reflections Peace Genesis 35-29 And Isaac gave up the ghost and died, and was gathered unto his people, being old and full of days.

[0:12] And his sons Esau and Jacob buried him. Proverbs 16-7 When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

[0:26] Romans 12-21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his fill-in-the-blank be at peace with him.

[0:42] At the end of his father's life, Jacob has discovered the truth of this remarkable promise. That God was able to make peace in every situation that Jacob could not.

[0:54] The last time Jacob, Esau, and Isaac were together, there was not a lot of goodwill or friendly feelings. Isaac was reeling from the depth of Jacob's deception, and Esau was plotting murder.

[1:08] Now that Isaac has passed, would Esau carry out his vow of vengeance made all of those years ago? Genesis 27-41 And Esau hated Jacob, because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him.

[1:25] And Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand. Then will I slay my brother Jacob. Remarkably, no, Esau does not now desire any type of vengeance upon Jacob.

[1:41] It appears that the reconciliation of Genesis 33 was genuine. And for Jacob, he has now witnessed God's deliverance once again in his life. The first time was when Laban was coming after him, and now the second time with his brother Esau.

[1:59] Truly, God is able to make peace in the most improbable and impossible of situations. Where is this peace found?

[2:10] How does one take advantage of it? How do I know if it will work every time? Can I enter every impossible situation with the assurance of peace? Yes, in fact, I can.

[2:24] John 14-27 Peace I leave with you. My peace I give unto you. Not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled. Neither let it be afraid.

[2:37] Jesus has promised us not just peace, but more importantly, his peace. We enter every situation with the promise of peace from the Prince of Peace. No matter how improbable or impossible the situation becomes, God's peace and promise never fail.

[2:56] So how do I take advantage of this peace? How do I know if my ways please the Lord? 1 John 3-22 1 John 5-4 Hebrews 11-6 The things that please God are not our mighty works or good deeds, but our faith.

[3:54] Our faith in the God of the promise to fulfill all of his promises. Our faith in the God of peace to bring his peace into every impossible situation.

[4:04] And our faith that no matter how improbable, he is able to bring peace between me and my most ardent enemy. The God of peace is able to make peace in every situation that I cannot.

[4:19] When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his fill-in-the-blank be at peace with him. Where do you need God to make peace today?

[4:31] Believe by faith that he can and allow his peace to become your peace. Father, thank you that the unpeaceful relationships and situations in my life are not for me to find a fix for, but to find faith for.

[4:46] Faith that you will do all that you have promised and faith that your promise always leads to peace. Amen.