I found out yesterday that my youngest son who is serving in the Army, broke his collarbone during an exercise. As a dad my first thought was how quick can I travel 2,480 miles to be with him. I NEEDED to be there. But, as I was reading and praying, God spoke to me through the story of a former church Bishop, in the year 1555.
“In 1555, Nicholas Ridley, a former Bishop of London, was burned at the stake in Oxford because of his beliefs. On the night before Ridley’s execution, his brother offered to remain with him in the prison chamber to be of assistance and comfort. Nicholas declined the offer and replied that he meant to go to bed and sleep as quietly as ever he did in his life. Because he knew the peace of God, he could rest in the strength of the everlasting arms of his Lord to meet his need.”
Gods Peace is an incredible blessing. ‘Peace’ is a word of huge significance in the Bible. It is the presence of God and his reign in harrowing circumstances. It is wholeness, soundness, we’ll-being, tranquillity and total oneness with God. It is every kind of blessing and goodness all wrapped together. It is the reason Nicholas Ridley could sleep peacefully the night before his execution. It is the reason why I could sleep soundly last night.
In times of concern and distress, as believers, we can do as Ada, king of Judah did in 2 Chronicles 14:11, when he cried out to the Lord his God and said…”Lord, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O Lord our God, for we rely on you”.
Cry out to God today…you can rely on Him.
Living Life by Design 
Leave a comment