What is peace?
Is it the absence of noise, experiencing peace and quiet? Perhaps, but many parents of toddlers will tell you there is something more to peace than just silence.
Is it a time without war? True, but then why aren’t we experiencing more peace in Canada where we don’t experience war?
Is it a state where a person is free from stress and anxiety? I would suggest it is more than even that.
I believe peace can only be experienced when one is living with the Holy Spirit and receiving His peace. Jesus said in John 14:26-27, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
One day while hosting a team of ladies in Thailand, we hired a driver who took us to several places for a day of fun. We rode elephants, hiked to a waterfall, rafted down a river, enjoyed amazing northern Thai food. The bonus was being able to go to a Karen hilltribe village to experience a bit of culture. The bamboo and thatch-roof houses were on stilts to stay dry in floods and stay safe from wandering animals. Some houses had a pig tied up, raising them until one day he would be on their plate. There weren’t many people around as the children were at school and the adults were away at work. At the end of the path, though, was a beautifully landscaped yard and a gentleman was outside watering the plants. He spoke English and was excited to tell us about his foundation. He was a “man of peace” in the community-a Christian who was starting a business of renting out simple triangle-shaped chalets. His vision was to provide work for his community and funds to help the village prosper.
Peace: a man with a God-given vision to build up his village and spread the Good News!
