Day 21: The Lord Who Brings Peace in the Midst of Chaos

 

John 14:27

The chaos of November 18, 2020, is etched deeply in my memory. A call from my sister shattered the morning—my mother had passed away. Just hours before, I had been told she was recovering well after surgery. I was thousands of miles away in a country locked down by COVID. No flights. No way to return. Even if I left, I wouldn’t be allowed back.

In that storm of grief and helplessness, something unexpected wrapped around me—peace. Not a peace that made sense, but the steady, unexplainable peace of Christ. In John 14:27, Jesus speaks this very peace over His disciples, knowing hardship and loss were coming. He doesn’t offer escape from chaos. He offers Himself.

His peace doesn’t erase sorrow, but holds us through it. It’s not based on circumstances, but grounded in His unchanging presence. My unbelieving friends took notice of this unexplainable peace I had and inquired about how they, too, could experience it. It was a joy to share Jesus with them—the only true source of peace!

If your heart feels unsettled today, know that Jesus speaks these same words to you: “Do not let your heart be troubled.” His peace is a gift—real, present, and available even during the chaos of life!

 

Reflection Prayer

Jesus, You are the Prince of Peace. Thank You for offering a peace that the world cannot give and that circumstances cannot take away. In the midst of my chaos, help me to lean into Your presence and receive Your peace. Quiet my heart and remind me that You are near. I surrender my anxious thoughts and troubled heart to You. Fill me with Your calming presence today. May I “let the peace of God rule in my heart” (Col. 3:15). Amen.

 

 

Week 3: Christ Our Healer

Isaiah 53:4–5

As we focus on the life of Christ, this week’s theme is Christ Our Healer. God promises healing in both aspects—physical and spiritual. At times, He provides immediate physical healing to encourage gratitude towards God, which can lead to a deeper spiritual relationship, resulting in spiritual healing. Conversely, there are instances where spiritual healing is prioritized, altering the individual’s perspective on pain, and enabling them to endure while awaiting God’s physical intervention. During His time on Earth, Jesus healed many individuals and often remarked that their faith had healed them. Therefore, it is essential to pray with expectant faith. Ultimately, it is at God’s discretion whether He grants miraculous healing or offers the grace for endurance. When Paul implored God three times to remove the thorn from his flesh, God responded, “My grace is sufficient for you, and my strength is made perfect in your weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9).

 

Reflection Questions

  • Have you or your family experienced supernatural healing?

  • How do you pray for an unbeliever’s healing?

  • How do you comfort someone who prayed for a miracle that didn’t happen?

 

 
Kathy Sappia

Kathy has served with The Alliance since 2001, including 20 years as an international worker with her husband, Jim. Now director for Alliance Peacemaking, she equips churches and leaders to navigate conflict with humility and grace, reflecting Christ’s heart and creating space for His transformational work in their lives.

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Day 22: Jesus, King of Glory

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Day 20: The Lord Who Comforts and Cares