By Grace Andrews of Blue Springs, Missouri USA
So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God.
It seems the opposite of faith is fear. We, like the disciples, are often afraid. Sometimes I drive into our garage, quickly close the doors, and breathe a sigh of relief. Away from traffic, bustling crowds, noise, I can hide behind closed doors. But the thought struck me one day, “What if Jesus met me inside and said, ‘Peace be unto you’?”
The eleven hid behind closed doors which did not keep him out. Suddenly he stood among them and said, “Peace be with you” (John 20:19). Jesus found his disciples in fear and gave them perfect peace, hope, and faith. And just as he breathed on them and gave them the gift of the Holy Spirit, he comes among us today. We often shut doors—doors of our room, our house, our hearts, doors of fear. Jesus enters and breathes on us anew and transforms our fear to faith.
Jesus was not inclined to stay in one place behind closed doors. His work called him to those outside of Galilee. In the face of rising opposition, he selected twelve and invited them to travel away from day-to-day routines. They became his brothers. He gave them the authority, the message, and instructions for their life work. He perfected their faith until His mission became their mission. Then he sent them out. So, we have the pattern for our mission: to grow spiritually, to be doers of the Word, not hearers only. He wants us to have faith and come out of our doors, into the realm of life, and share His love.
Come with me now from whatever door you may be standing behind—fear, shyness, insecurity, or perhaps not feeling intelligent enough, good enough—and realize you can call upon Jesus. He will perfect your faith.
We can face life, because we have joy and confidence in our Lord and Savior. If we ask, God will open doors that we have closed and go with us into unimaginable ministry with Christ!
World Conference is a living practice of unity in diversity and blessings of community. We enjoy seeing sisters and brothers from around the globe but also acknowledge that cultural differences can be challenging for us when we discuss issues we care about deeply. How is the Spirit seeking to widen your capacity for receiving the wisdom, experience, and stories of people who think differently from you?
Prayer Phrase
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them” (Matthew 18:20).
The International Community
Find (or imagine) a globe or map of the world. Look at all the nations and find a country other than your own. Notice the geographic distance between your homeland and this one. Picture a person living there. Pray for this person. Sense God’s love connecting you just as the oceans connect the continents. Thank God for the spiritual connection you have with all of God’s people around the globe. Ask a blessing on the church as a community sharing Christ’s peace, drawing all into the family of God.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.