Windows of Peace

Sunday's sunset
photo by our Ben

"So Jehoshaphat's kingdom was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side." (2 Chronicles 20:30)

At dusk on Sunday, our Ben captured a calm window under a stormy roof over the family farm.

This morning, while reading the book of Acts, I discovered a window of peace over God's church. Sandwiched between Greek-speaking Jews attempting to murder Saul for boldly preaching in Jesus' name and King Herod Agrippa attacking believers, killing James, the apostle and brother of John, with the sword, and throwing Peter into prison, the church enjoyed a season of peace and became stronger as believers lived in fear of the Lord. And with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers (Acts 9:31).

During this God-given, peace-filled window, paralyzed Aeneas was healed, Dorcas was raised from the dead, the gospel and salvation came to the house of Cornelius, an Italian centurion, and for a whole year, Barnabas and Saul taught in Antioch where followers of Jesus Christ were first called Christians.

In times of persecution and times of peace, God's purposes will be accomplished through His faithful followers. Beloved, as the Apostle Paul commissioned Timothy, whether times are favorable or not, preach the word of God and encourage people with good teaching (2 Timothy 4:2).