YOUR FAITH - Part Seven

"Your Faith Will Strengthen You"

By Rob Bailes

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. ~John 14:27~

The apostle John wraps the strength that we have in our faith up in one small passage here. Just take a minute to think about his words. Peace I leave, my peace I give to you; do not let your heart be troubled and don't let it be afraid.

As I think back on the time when the US troops stormed into Germany where there had been mass murdering of the Jews and our military fought against powers that were trained to destroy and overcome. The Nazi solders had been trained to destroy the people that once were their neighbors and fellow businessmen. The man we all knew as Hitler was the man who issued such horrendous commands and the men who followed his evil order had committed themselves to not only protecting their country, but they had also allowed their hearts to become corrupted by the one whom they followed. When the US made the decision to become involved in delivering the Jews from this force of evil, someone had to make this decision. I can imagine our military leaders and political leaders sitting down together to discuss what was taking place in Germany and how we as a free country must do something to help those being persecuted and murdered.

We were a country that had experienced peace in our own homes and communities and we knew what it felt like to live without stress and without fear. Just as John had a peace to leave with us all in this book he had written thousands of years ago, our ancestors also had a peace that they too wanted to give those who were living in trouble and fear in Germany! The thing is, that our country took action along with other military powers to allow the thousands who were suffering to receive this peace we had to offer.

Our faith in God is where we will find the divine peace that Jesus was leaving with the disciples and His followers in this passage, BUT this passage was written for us today as well because it is preserved for those who believe and who are seeking. The truth and promises of Jesus that show us His principles and prescription for life are just as true today as they were back then. That thought alone should strengthen and encourage us! Praise the Lord God Almighty for His virtue and love!

Let's take a look at what it is that Jesus told us we should not let enter into our hearts; but first let's take a look at the Greek meaning of the word we call "heart".

The Greek word is kardia
It is pronounced kar-dee'-ah
The literal meaning is prolonged from a primary κάρ kar (Latin cor, “heart”); the heart, that is, (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle: - (+ broken-) heart (-ed).

Jesus shows the concern that He has for our feelings or thoughts in this passage and how much it means to know that we, his children, are living in total peace without being troubled and afraid. How do you feel today? What kind of thoughts do you have when you awaken in the morning or when you lay down to sleep at night? Do you ever find yourself worrying about the things going on in the world around you? The Greek for the word troubled is tarassō and it means to stir or agitate. Have you found yourself feeling agitated lately? Ask yourself why and then search the Word of God to see what God says about having this kind of spirit.

You see, the spirit that we receive when we accept the peace of God rather than the peace that the world offers us, is going to bring us a peace without fear. The opposite of fear is brave and a brave heart lies deep within a strong believer. A strong believer has Faith in the Word of God. How can we find the answers and understanding that we need from the Word of God? Let's look at the passage that Jesus spoke just prior to His offering of peace and we will find out the answer to this very important question.

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. ~John 14:26~

In the Greek we find that this title Comforter literally means intercessor; one who goes on our behalf to God the Father. Jesus is saying that God the Father will send us the "hagios pneuma"; that is the Holy Ghost will be sent in the name or authority of Jesus. What does it say that the Holy Ghost, our intercessor, will do for us?

This is very important to know and to remember as we go into each day of our lives without troubled minds and fear!

The Holy Ghost who will come in Jesus name will teach you all things and bring to your memory the things that Jesus has told us! This is where our strength and our peace comes ,even in this day when there are tribulations and desolation all around us. Take ahold of this truth and stand stedfast in the truth of the words of our JEHOVAH in this passage!

Let this final passage from chapter eight of John remind us all of the strength that we have in our faith today! Let's go forward from this day on with untroubled minds and a sprirt of courage, not being afraid.

Romans 8:14,15 (Paul says)
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

WORDS OF WISDOM - Strength For The Heart
Joh 14:12-28
12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. (Prescription for life given in God's Word)
16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwells with you, and shall be in you.
18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.