One time Jesus was asleep on a small boat when suddenly a big storm came up. The winds were fierce and the waves were pounding the boat. The disciples got all upset. They said, “Jesus, wake up! We’re about to die!” Jesus got up and simply spoke to the storm. He said, “Peace, be still.” Instantly, the wind was quiet and the Sea of Galilee became as smooth as glass. Now, the reason Jesus was able to remain calm in that situation was because He had peace inside Himself. In other words, He was in the storm, but He didn’t let the storm get into Him. You can be in the storm, but don’t let the storm get into you.
Peace is not the absence of trouble. Peace is not the absence of conflict. You can have trouble and conflict all around you on the outside, yet have real peace on the inside. Yes, you can be in the storm, but don’t let the storm get into you!
Somebody may be rude to you on the phone. You may want to jump down their throat. Instead say, “No, I’m not going to allow this to upset me. I’ve got a gentle spirit. I’m cool, calm, and confident.”
Or perhaps your boss doesn’t give you the credit you deserve. You didn’t get the big promotion you were hoping for. Say something like, “That’s okay. I know God is in control. I know God has something better in store for me.”
Maybe you say, “Well, Jeff, I’m upset because this man walked out of our relationship. It was wrong. It was just so unfair. I want to call him up and let him have a piece of my mind.” No, if you’ll keep your gentle spirit, God will bring somebody better into your life. He’ll take what the enemy meant for evil and turn it around and use it to your advantage. But you’ve got to do your part and stay calm and confident. Don’t live upset and worried and frustrated.”
You can be like the Apostle Paul. Paul experienced all kinds of heartache. People did unfair things to him, others lied about him. But he said, “In spite of all these things, we are more than conquerors.” That’s the kind of attitude that we need to have. Don’t just use your faith to get rid of your problems. Use your faith to remain calm in the midst of your problems. Say it again: