Saturday, November 10, 2018

Perfect Peace

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength: For he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he layeth it low; he layeth it low, even to the ground; he bringeth it even to the dust.”

Isaiah 26:3–5

In 1555, England was riven by religious disputes. Queen Mary was a staunch Catholic and determined to undo the work of her father, Henry VIII, in establishing the Church of England. All those who were not Catholic were at risk. Nearly three hundred were executed during her five year reign, and one of those was a prominent theologian named Nicholas Ridley.

The night before Ridley was to be burned at the stake, his brother visited him and offered to spend the night with him. Ridley declined, saying, “I intend (God willing) to go to bed, and sleep as quietly tonight, as ever I did.” As he was being tied to the stake the next day, Ridley prayed, “Oh, Heavenly Father, I give unto Thee most hearty thanks that Thou hast called me to be a professor of Thee, even unto death. I beseech Thee, Lord God, have mercy on this realm of England, and deliver it from all her enemies.”

No matter how severe a trial we may be called to face, God’s peace is available if we trust in Him and pray. “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7). The problems we face are not meant to be faced alone, but as children of God we never have to act alone. He is always there when we call on Him.

Today’s Growth Principle: 

Worry in our lives reveals that we are not praying and trusting God as we should.