The Peace of God Comes When the God of Peace Crushes Satan

Jesus was born to bring “peace on earth” and “goodwill toward men” so where’s all the peace of God?? Isaiah prophesied of Jesus, “And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end….” (Isaiah 9:6-7) But there are over 40 major conflicts raging in the world right now and untold number of smaller scale battles between countries, people groups and even within families, so where’s all the peace that Jesus came to bring??

The “peace” and “goodwill” the angels sang about in Luke 2 was not between humankind, but was really about the peace Jesus would bring between the wrath of God against sin and the sinful condition of humanity. The peace of God goes beyond the natural realm and is supernaturally provided through Jesus. In fact, there really can be worldwide peace through Jesus if the whole world followed after Him! Jesus bridged the gap between righteousness and rebellion, holiness and human depravity, and there is peace through Him – praise God! [Stay strong! Read this next: “Three Worship Wars: The Battle Against Satan”]

But God doesn’t define “peace” like the rest of the world does and “peace” isn’t the absence of conflict. The peace of God is the presence of the God of peace. That’s why you can have peace in the storm, like Jesus did. That’s why you can have “peace” that goes beyond understanding and exists within even the worst situations.

“…’peace’ isn’t the absence of conflict. “Peace” is the presence of the God of peace…”

Not all “peace” is the same kind of peace either. For example, the “peace of God” and the “God of peace” are not the same thing! In Philippians 4, Paul wrote this:

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with gratitude, make your requests known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will protect your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think on these things. Do those things which you have both learned and received, and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.”

1) The “peace of God” comes through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving for what you need the Lord to help with and that “peace” will be what you experience within your spirit, even as the storms rage. The “peace of God” goes beyond what you “understand” about what is happening around you and that “peace” will protect your heart and your mind as you journey through the mountains and valleys of life.

[Read this next: “Why Jesus Wept” – Part 2″]

2) The “God of peace” is invited into your life through your own process of sanctification as you train your mind toward godliness and as you model your life after those who have maturity, victory and spiritual authority. This includes a lifestyle build on the foundation of worship, where your mind is removed from yourself and placed firmly and intentionally onto Him. The “God of peace” is drawn to those who create an atmosphere He is attracted to, where darkness is not permitted. There are two separate paths to two separate types of peace, but both are needed for your victory in a world torn by war – both spiritual and natural.

Thought for today

There may not be “peace” in your life right now, as you define it, but there is peace through Jesus Christ for any situation. You’ll need the peace of God to rule your heart and mind and you’ll need the God of peace to be with you as you move ahead – and now you know there are separate and distinctly purposeful actions that bring both into your life. One of the most amazing things about the God of peace is that the Lord doesn’t define “peace” like we do – He is Peace and He can define it however He wants to! In fact, I’ll leave you with these words from my heart: “Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil and the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” (Romans 16:19-20) The presence of the God of peace will usher in the peace of God – and Satan? UNDER. HIS. FEET.