PEACE by Michelle Sam, 12/6/20
Phillipians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
What does peace mean?
For some people and countries, living in peace means no fighting. Biblical peace is more than just the absence of conflict. It means completeness or wholeness, and it points to the presence of something else.
What does peace mean to me?
27 years ago, almost to the day, for the first time, I experienced this “peace.” I was in labor with my first-born. Throughout my pregnancy I felt like My actions had a direct effect on My baby’s outcome. I ate healthy and exercised regularly and the day after my due date, I remember being in the gym on the treadmill, trying to induce labor! That evening, I went into labor and was admitted to hospital. I had this under control!
But, 18 hours later, I was still in labor and suddenly the alarm in my hospital room went off. Immediately, the entire nursing staff rushed into my room, took one look at the monitor and the nurse in charge said, “Call the doctor!”
Within minutes, Dr. Li was at my bedside and with practiced calm and reassurance in his voice said, “Michelle, your baby is in fetal distress. We need to do an emergency-C section.” I was immediately wheeled into the hallway waiting for the operating room to be readied. Alex stayed behind to pack up our things. I clearly remember being alone on the hospital bed, shaking uncontrollably with fear and not knowing what the outcome would be. I WAS NOT IN CONTROL.
I decided to pray. I cried out to God that HE take control. I even confessed and said I was sorry because, if I were totally honest with myself, Jesus was never really in the driver’s seat. But at that very moment, there was nothing I could possibly do to change the situation, and I had to yield my life and my baby’s life to HIM. For the very first time, I gave up COMPLETE control and said God, you be in charge of my life and my baby’s life. And suddenly, there was this warm sensation that blanketed me. I stopped shaking and had this peace that really “transcends human understanding.” I knew that that was God’s presence.
2020 has been a challenging year for everyone. You may be anxious about something. I urge you to give it fully up to God and have Him be in the driver’s seat. He will not steer you wrong and I pray God’s peace be with you always.
