The Cambridge dictionary defines peace as the state of not being interrupted or annoyed by worry, problems, noise, or unwanted actions. This implies that peace and difficulties could be mutually exclusive by nature. However, our state is primarily influenced by our perceptions, desires, and beliefs, amongst other things. Hence, with the right perceptions, desires, and beliefs, we can have peace even when physically surrounded by problems. While talking to his disciples, Jesus, the all-knowing and Master of the universe, alluded to this fact by saying, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.
Believers and unbelievers face problems and challenges alike in our world, but our state as believers makes the difference, as Christ has left us with the most needed, inner peace not as the world gives John 14:27.
The Bible is filled with examples of people who experienced peace despite unpleasant external situations around them. History is also littered with several believers like Helen Keller, John Bunyan, Fanny Crosby, Watchman Nee, etc., who, through external hardship, challenges and difficulties, enjoyed inner peace. In our contemporary time, several believers continue to enjoy this perfect peace amidst challenges, as demonstrated through the life of Nick Vujicic and Joni Eareckson Tada.
Nick Vujicic: The mere sighting of his appearance the day he was born (4th of December 1982) made his parents sick. He was an epitome of an undesirable natural challenge, having been born tetra-amelia syndrome, a rare disorder that meant his limbs were not fully formed. Nick’s parents eventually accepted this as God’s plan for him; however, he still had to endure severe difficulties growing up. Nick was continuously bullied and isolated, which made him attempt suicide when he was ten years old.
A new chapter started when at age fifteen Nick met the Lord and surrendered to him. He came to accept who he was in Jesus and the joy and hope in the Lord, but he still wanted limbs. The story of the blind man in John 9:3 (Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him) forever changed his view of the challenges the physical disability had wrapped around him. Nick came to understand that his physical challenge is part of God’s plan for his life. Though Nick has not been physically healed, he got better healing; his heart. This life-changing experience made him recognise the truth about his value, purpose, and destiny.
Indeed, God has used this challenge in Nick’s life to fulfil His plan and purpose. In 2005, Nick founded Life Without Limbs and has shared the gospel of Christ with over 700 million people through the ministry, and over 1 million of them are following Jesus.
Joni Eareckson Tada was born in 1949 in Baltimore, Maryland. She came to know the Lord at the age of 14 after attending a church retreat. At 16, Joni had an accident while diving, which left her quadriplegic. Through the several pains in hospital, Joni recalls friends sharing Jer 11:29 as one of the strengthening passages. Though not physically healed, Joni received the inner healing and peace to carry her through the daily pains of her challenges. In her own words, “… I pray that my pain might be removed, that it might cease; but more so, I pray for the strength to bear it, the grace to benefit from it, and the devotion to offer it up to God as a sacrifice of praise”.
Like Joni, we must understand that “God is more concerned with conforming me (us) to the likeness of His Son than leaving me(us) in my(our) comfort zones. God is more interested in inward qualities than outward circumstances – things like refining my faith, humbling my heart, cleaning up my (our) thought life and strengthening my (our) character”.
Through the storms and “light afflictions” that may come our way, our priority must remain our peace in Christ and knowing we are constantly in His hand. In Joni’s own words, “I’d rather be in this wheelchair knowing God than on my feet without him”. This deposition has helped her through other challenges in life, like her cancer diagnoses in 2010 and 2018. We must remember that through whatever challenges, though it may appear, we are alone, yet we are not alone (Song by Joni Eareckson Tada).
We must remember that “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Cor 10:13.
Through all challenges, just like HE said to Paul, he is saying to us, “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Cor 12:9.