Peace
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7, KJV)
According to the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia peace "is a condition of freedom from disturbance, whether outwardly, as of a nation from war or enemies, or inwardly, within the soul."
Peace is often demonstrated through literature by the way a main character handles a trial. When times are difficult do we rest in God leading to inner peace? Or are we tossed about by our circumstances, or emotions? I know this is something the Lord is working on in me.
(1) Texas Roads by Cathy Bryant: My favorite character, Aunt Beth, is a wise woman of God who has persevered through many difficult circumstances and radiates the love and peace of Christ to all who surround her.
(2) Daisy Chain by Mary DeMuth: In this series the characters learn about and reflect the love of God through seemingly insurmountable circumstances. Mary shows "gritty grace", its not always easy and doesn't always come in the ways we expect but is beautiful nonetheless.
(3) Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz: In this sweeping historical romance, Morrow must make peace with God and with those involved in the horrific murder of her beloved family members. Morrow also must make peace with her fears in order to embrace the adventurous life God has for her.
Patience
But let patience have [her] perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (James 1:4, KJV).
The International Standard Bible Encylopedia has this to say about patience:
pa’-shens (hupomone, makrothumia): "Patience" implies suffering, enduring or waiting, as a determination of the will and not simply under necessity. As such it is an essential Christian virtue to the exercise of which there are many exhortations. We need to "wait patiently" for God, to endure uncomplainingly the various forms of sufferings, wrongs and evils that we meet with, and to bear patiently injustices which we cannot remedy and provocations we cannot remove. (from Blue Letter Bible).
Patience is shown in the way we endure through testing. What comes out when we're pressed? Are we willing to wait on God or do we take things into our own hands?
(1) The Scarlet Thread by Francine Rivers: Sierra finds the patience to persevere in spite of a difficult marriage by waiting on God and learning from the lessons of her ancestors.
(2) A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman: Characters struggle with finding the strength to keep pure until marriage. This book ultimately shows the beauty in marriage that comes from waiting for God's best.
(3) The Calling of Emily Evans by Janette Oke: When God calls Emily to help start a church as a missionary she must wait on the Lord for his timing and provision.
Stay tuned for the fruity recipe of the day
Can you think of any books in which the main character finds God's peace amidst the pressures of life? Have you enjoyed any books in which waiting on God was a main theme?
Patience is shown in the way we endure through testing. What comes out when we're pressed? Are we willing to wait on God or do we take things into our own hands?
(1) The Scarlet Thread by Francine Rivers: Sierra finds the patience to persevere in spite of a difficult marriage by waiting on God and learning from the lessons of her ancestors.
(2) A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman: Characters struggle with finding the strength to keep pure until marriage. This book ultimately shows the beauty in marriage that comes from waiting for God's best.
(3) The Calling of Emily Evans by Janette Oke: When God calls Emily to help start a church as a missionary she must wait on the Lord for his timing and provision.
Stay tuned for the fruity recipe of the day
Can you think of any books in which the main character finds God's peace amidst the pressures of life? Have you enjoyed any books in which waiting on God was a main theme?
6 comments:
Ahhh, patience! I need it, but I've always been told never to pray for it, because God will give you a trial to get it. I've "accidently" prayed for it, and then said, "No, I take it back!!!" :)
When I've prayed for God to help me face my fears, the result was hard, but I learned I could get through it. I no longer pray to face my fears, though.:)
I know what you mean, Bluerose. Its hard to pray for the fruit. I will say though that I think the most peaceful I've ever been in my life was after my Dad's death. Fear is something I will probably always need to lean on God for moment-by-moment and hopefully over time more and more realize His grace is sufficient. Thanks for sharing, Bluerose. I really value your honesty. :)
Love how you've weaved this post together with God's word, novel characters, and fruit of the Spirit!
Super-sized blessings for you on this new week!
Thank you for coming by my blog. I've been skimming through yours and already, I see some books I'd like to read.
Can't wait to continue forward, getting to know you better.
In Christ,
~Britt Mitchell
Thanks for the kind mention of Daisy Chain. I'm humbled!
Lisa: Thanks so much for stopping by and for the blessings! It is our first week of homeschool...I know odd timing for it, we were going to start mid-August but my daughter was begging to start now.
Britt: Thanks so much. I really enjoyed your blog as well and look forward to getting to know you better, too.
Mary: You're so welcome and thanks for stopping by. It is one of my absolute favorite books.
Post a Comment