Finding Peace

by Kendra Brooks

The Word: "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility." (Ephesians 2:13-16 NIV)
 
The Story: I am a single mother who learned the hard way about finding peace. For too long, I harbored a grudge against my son's father because of things I went through with him. While I never imagined I would be physically abused or that I would suffer that type of abuse at his hands, I did.
 
We knew each other for years and we both were raised in Christian homes, but were not fully living the Christian life. He cheated on me, became verbally abusive, and soon began to physically abuse me. After our custody battle I thought I would never forgive him or fully trust a man again.
 
The Reflection: In March, Pastor Conway preached about being a "Peacemaker or an Instigator." The message made me realize that to find peace with someone else I had to find peace within myself. I thought I had it all together. I believed my son's father was solely to blame for our issues. Yet, rather than dealing with the issue I opted to ignore him.
 
The Application: I encourage you to be honest with yourself about relationships in your life that lack peace. Remember Pastor Conway's instruction and ask yourself three questions:
1. Become one with Christ
2. Find peace with myself
3. Forgive those who have wronged you, just as God has forgiven you.
Letting go of our "self-righteous demands" allows us to see our role in discord. Once I released control of the situation and gave it to God I found my peace, once again.
 
The Prayer: Lord, help us to use our energy and time to worship you and to put you first in everything we do. Show us how to love even when it is hard to love. Help us find wisdom and understanding. Show us how to listen when you have spoken. Amen.

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