Jesus is the “Prince of Peace” (Ref. Isaiah 9:6). This was described in the great prophecy of the coming Messiah. And it was also said that there will be increase of peace when he governs (Ref. Isaiah (9:7a).
Therefore, when a person allows Jesus to govern his life, there will be an increase of peace in his life.
As we look at the life of Jesus, we find a calmness about Him at all times. Be it in the midst of crowds or out in the storm in the sea He is never seen to be disturbed. Outer circumstances did not disturb His inner peace.
This peace came from His intimate knowledge that He was walking in the perfect will of God.
This is a simple lesson that you can learn regarding God’s will. If you are able to take decisions according to God’s will, there will come about a peace in your heart.
This happens best when the Spirit of God intercedes for you. For only the Spirit of God knows the mind of God and His will for you (Ref. Romans 8:26, 27). When such prayers are made with thanksgiving, the peace of God, which is beyond all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds secure in Christ Jesus (Ref. Philippians 4:6,7).
But there might be a certain struggle in the process of making decisions according to God’s will. You see that happens in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus struggled in prayer to such an extent that His sweat fell to the ground like drops of blood (Ref. Luke 22:44).
But the result of that decision He took that day was peace. He was full of calm as He went to the cross. That calmness was evident when He found time to heal the ear of the servant which was cut off by Peter (Ref. John 18:10, Luke 22:51) even though at that time His disciple Judas had betrayed Him with a kiss.
So the lesson is obvious. Peace from God often comes after a struggle. That struggle shouldn’t surprise you. The more important the decision to be taken, the greater the struggle. But still greater will be the peace that follows.
The world has no clue about this kind of peace. Even in the face of opposition, mockery, ridicule and humiliation this peace of God shall strengthen the heart of a believer.
This is the peace that Jesus left His disciples with: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. [author’s emphasis] I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27 NIV).
You can also find strength from the fact that Jesus knows your struggles. Because He “was deeply moved in spirit and troubled” when he saw people weeping at the tomb of Lazarus. There Jesus wept (John 11:35). He also wept over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41). These two instances prove how human He was.
And finally, on the cross, He cried out, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46b NIV). These were some instances in Jesus’ life when His inner peace was tested to the limits. So He understands your struggles and longs to give you peace.
Summary: The peace that comes from God is one sure sign that you are moving within God’s will at that point in time.
Table of Contents
Lessons of God’s Will from the Life of Jesus
1. Choices Jesus Made
2. Peace Jesus Enjoyed
3. Jesus Pleased God
4. Jesus was Purpose-Driven
5. Jesus’ Sense of Timing
6. Higher Priorities Jesus Had
7. Christ’s Perseverance