YOU CAN HAVE PEACE WITH GOD: Through the Power of the Cross

If you were to be on the ocean during a hurricane, you would see waves mount up and crash down—a seething cauldron of water—winds howling and rain driven sideways in stinging sheets. But, if you were to go deep enough, you would find in the ocean depths, peace—a region unaffected by the tempest on the surface. So, it is for the child of God. The turbulent trials of life may rage like a storm around us, but deep inside we have God’s peace.

This is what Paul is describing in Romans 5:3-6:

3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;
4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

This firm foundation of faith in Christ enables us to have peace even in great difficulty. How in this world can we talk about peace in the midst of a storm? It is truly a peace that surpasses human understanding. We may not be able to explain it, but we can experience it! I can’t explain electricity, but I’m not going to sit in the dark until I do.

Being a Christian doesn’t exempt us from trouble, but it does enable us in trouble—we are weak, but He is strong. The trials of life are transformed by the grace of God from something harmful to something helpful. Tribulation comes to develop patience in us, and as we patiently wait on God, character is formed—God uses pressure from our circumstances to mold us as a potter does the clay.

There is our hope—not in what we are or what we can do—for we are helpless to help ourselves. But it was for such a worm as I that Christ died. The Almighty, who by the power of His Word called the universe into existence, died in utter human weakness on the cross—but through that flows the power of God unto salvation! God gives us His own life and love in the Holy Spirit who regenerates us. Peace is found in the power of the cross.