For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
I am an “85%” guy. For any project or paperwork I am aware of 85% of what needs to be done. The 15% that I miss worries me. It sucks the peace out of my life if I allow it.
I let worry consume me for much of my adult life. I was often filled with panic. I regularly missed or forgot things that I needed to do to be a good husband, father, and employee. I was constantly apologizing, worried that I had let someone down or forgotten something.
In my struggle Jesus would occasionally show up. He would speak a risky message to my heart. “If you give up control of your daily schedule to Me I will lead you through this problem”. I struggled with God’s offer. How could I give up control of what I was suppose to do every day? That is not what a responsible adult would do. I had to solve this on my own .
I attempted to get more organized through videos, books, and advice. I thought it would help. It didn’t. I was powerless to change. Jesus, again, asked me to let go of my struggle and let Him work it out His way. I finally surrendered, ashamed and embarrassed.
God, slowly, went to work. He reminded me that I was His child. He desired to help me, like any good father, if I would get quiet on the inside and choose to be at peace. It was hard to do. But peace, eventually, began to occupy the places that worry and panic had previously lived. My days began to change.
When stuff needed organized God would bring someone that could bring structure to the mess. I would still forget things, but circumstances would bring them to mind just in time. I began to relax. I began to view this as God’s “path of peace” for me.
This term comes from Zechariah’s Song in Luke 1. Zechariah implies the Messiah will restore peace in our relationship with our God, and bring a peace that allows us to walk in this life with contentment regardless of what happens. It is a peace “which transcends all understanding…” according to Paul (Philippians 4:7).
This “path of peace” was where God was in charge and I didn’t have to figure it all out. I saw things more with His viewpoint. Whether the situation was easy or difficult, Jesus seemed to give me eyes to see His peaceful path through the situation. It didn’t solve every challenge, but there was a way through the problem where I could rest with God in control.
I felt guilty at first. It was my job to work things out and carry my share of the responsibility. But God reminded me that I am about His work. He gets to decide how things get done.
God’s will for us, through the challenges of life, is a path of peace. It isn’t a journey where everything works out as we desire. But it is a place where He is in control and brings peace. He gets the glory and we grow in faith. “Freaking out” is not required.
Peace in this life comes, not from knowing how to solve all the problems we will encounter, but from knowing that the Prince of Peace walks with us on the path.
