Peace in the Storm

   Aboard a vessel in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, Horatio Spafford pondered the recent crises he had endured. As a successful lawyer in Chicago, he invested in real estate, which he had lost in the great Chicago fire of 1871. Previously, he had suffered the loss of his only son. Now he was crossing the body of water that had recently claimed the lives of his four precious daughters as they were bound for London, England. His wife had survived the shipwreck and had wired her husband the words, "Saved alone."

   Now, as he was on his way to reunite with his wife, he considered what God was doing in His life. Spafford felt the peace of God in his heart, and penned the following words to the beloved song, It is Well with My Soul:

"When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea-billows roll;                    Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul."

   My friend, are you at peace in your heart? Perhaps you are troubled at the thought of dying. If so, you may find rest for your soul today.

Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

   Adversity comes to all of us. The difference is how we respond. Maybe you are in a time of personal tragedy. The storms of life are flooding your soul, and there seems to be no hope. There is One who can rescue you if you are willing to accept help. Like Spafford, you may be at peace and say, "It is well with my soul."

Profit for the Soul

   We each must realize there is more to life than the pleasures and cares of this world: there is eternity to ponder. As nothing in this world can guarantee satisfaction, so can no amount of money grant peace. God alone holds the key to peace and rest for your soul. Jesus said, "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Mark 8:36, 37)

   Everything begins with God. He was here when the world was created. God was there when you were born. He is the author of life and makes the decision when it should end. As Job proclaimed, "The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away."  (Job 1:21)

   You may mentally give assent to the fact that one day you will draw your last breath. But have you thought about what will take place in the next moment? Where will you be? How can you be sure that you will be in Heaven? We each must make preparation for the destiny of our soul.

   Since the Garden of Eden, man has disobeyed God. But God, in His love , designed a plan to redeem mankind.

   Every person is a sinner who deserves the judgment of the Holy Creator. It is not in the capacity of man to justify himself before God. The Bible says, "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." The Ten Commandments were given to reveal to man his guilty state before God. No man is righteous and can claim perfection. (Romans 3:10) Therefore, it is impossible by our own works and religion to be pure.

Provision of Salvation

We are helpless and without hope in our own strength. But God, in His mercy, offers a solution. God demonstrated his love to mankind in that “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) Yes, that is right! The very God whom we have sinned against and lived in defiance toward, has loved us so much, that He gave his only begotten Son to die in our place.

According to God's plan, Jesus rose again back to life three days later! We can now have peace with God through Jesus. He is the only avenue of hope to have peace in our mind and soul. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh to the Father but by me." (John 14:6)

   The only person who will receive the mercy of God is the repentant sinner willing to humble himself before God and plead for mercy and forgiveness. You must not justify yourself and depend on your own goodness in attempt to earn your way to heaven. It is provided by God's grace alone for his glory.

   God has an open invitation to whoever will hear, believe, and respond.

   Are you willing to admit right now before God, that you are a sinner, deserving of the punishment of Hell? Do you believe Jesus is your only way of salvation? By faith humbly call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and he will forgive your sins and deliver your soul from hell! For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:13)

   When you receive Christ by faith, you immediately have eternal life and no longer have to fear the judgment of God! Peace with God brings the peace of God in your heart. Click here to learn more about knowing God.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT MAKING THIS IMPORTANT DECISION, PLEASE CONTACT THE AUTHOR LUKE KNICKERBOCKER. SEE BELOW FOR CONTACT INFORMATION. 

Written by: Luke Knickerbocker

Text or Call: (863) 458-1377
E-mail: knickprint@yahoo.com

Home Church: Southside Baptist Church
3911 W. Bay Ave. Tampa, Florida 33616