Peace

It’s Advent and last week we focused on hope. Today, we will focus on peace.

Anthony took a call from Austin to serve in Connecticut. He is doing super well in the cold and snow, starting a journey of obedience of shepherding a community in love. He is living into the peace of God in his new calling. 

Surprise…I have received and accepted a call to serve as lead pastor at Gethsemane Church and Christian Academy in Tempe, Arizona. God is at work to move us where we need to be for the next season of ministry.

Deep down in my heart I believe God has given me a spirit of yes and I have crossed over to a place of peace about the call.

But to get to peace was a process.

Sometimes peace comes fast, easily and often.

Sometimes peace never comes, or seems to come and go.

You have to go through the process.

I felt like sharing a portion of my journal from 40,000 feet in the air as I was flying back to Austin after interviewing in Tempe.

Is this calling from you? Is it a test? What is my life? What is your path for me? Why now? Why at all? How would it even be possible to say yes? What would be the point of moving back to a place I just left four years ago? How are you shaping this for my good? Or to go through some trial and overcome?

I shared some of my struggles after I got the call to the call chairman. He got wise counsel from the district president who said, “I have seen hundreds of call processes. Trust the process.”

To get to peace, you have to go through the process.

The honest truth though is that the process can suck, to be frank. Tears of letting go, financial realities, expectations ahead, questioning God’s will, and imposter syndrome of if you can even do the job. Yet, the honest truth is balanced with the hope of kingdom impact, lives saved, close family re-connections, and evangelistic conversions.

God meets us in the process towards peace. Think of the stories of Advent.

Zechariah’s process went from being gripped with fear and silenced until his son John was delivered to receiving peace in the silence that God’s plan is best.

Joseph’s process went from thoughts of divorcing Mary to receiving peace from a God dream.

Mary’s process went from thoughts of trouble and questioning at the message from the angel Gabriel to receiving peace from the news that the Holy Spirit would come upon her. 

Jesus’ process went from agony and bloody sweat in the garden to receiving peace from His Father that God would raise Him up to life again after three days.

Pause right now and let your body, mind, and soul recognize whatever process towards peace you are living through.

Sit still.

Hands open.

Breathe deeply.

Mind focused.

Whisper, Jesus, you are my peace.

And let these words bring you peace this Advent season no matter.

Isaiah 26:3 (NIV - adapted as a prayer)

God, keep me in your perfect peace and help my mind be steadfast on your truth, as I trust in you.

I end with how I ended that journal entry. Trying to trust the process by surrendering my life to the Spirit. 

May you do the same this Advent season and who knows where your yes might take you in 2026!

Holy Spirit, you are in me. Teach me your ways. Advocate for me to the Father.
Give me guidance. Lead me to Jesus. Let me walk in my full true authentic self. You are the familiar stranger, O Spirit. Speak.

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