As the new Concerned Women for America (CWA) State Director for Pennsylvania, I wanted to encourage you during this season of uncertainty to continue to choose faith over fear. What our nation and communities currently face has proven that we just never know what each day is going to bring. Oh, but what an assurance to know that God’s promises remain the same. His word brings the hope that is needed for the times we currently face.
I love what the Amplified Bible says in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]” The New Living Translation says it this way, “I am leaving you with a gift — peace of mind and heart.”
What a gift peace is! You just can’t put a price tag on that, can you? I’ve found that life just goes better when we have peace! And as much as we may seek to find it in other places, peace comes only from the Prince of Peace. The purchaser of peace is the one who doesn’t fail us –He is with us; He is for us and not against us. He is on our side! God is in you … the hope of glory … and through Him, we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us (Romans 8:37)!
How much was this peace worth? Isaiah 53:3 tells us, “But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” Think of this. Our peace was worth the shedding of His blood.
Remember each difficult situation we face becomes the stepping stone to the provision of God. Let’s look every day for the simple way God is furnishing and meeting our needs. Abraham was so focused on his son Isaac he failed to see the ram in the thicket that was there the whole time.
We can trust our lives, families, communities, state, and nation into the hollow of His mighty hand. Trust simply means that no matter what happens, you will turn TO God instead of away. Join me as we pray that our nation will turn to Him, look to Him, and rise to bless His Name.
Concentration camp survivor Corrie Ten Boom said, “If God sends us on strong paths, we are provided strong shoes.” I’ve heard it said that the right shoes will complement the outfit. We all have shoes, and I would imagine you have a favorite comfy pair. The shoes that Ephesians 6:15 tells us to wear are not for our comfort but to give us stable footing through peace during difficult times. Philippians 4:7 tells us that “The peace of God which passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds.” The meaning of guard in this verse is that of a soldier protecting his post. Protect the post that Lord has placed you with, the peace of God. You might be a stay at home mom, businesswoman, community leader, a government official, health care worker, or service provider. Right now, you may be on the front lines of the battle, find yourself working at home, or currently unemployed. May His peace surround you during today and the days ahead.
I believe that COVID-19 could be the wake-up call God is using to get our attention. He is nudging us during this time to focus on what is truly important and to put our complete trust in Him. He has literally caused us to be still and to know that He is God. So, help your neighbor, continue to give generously, support your small local businesses, and resist the urge to be selfish. Life is going on – it’s just different for a period of time. We are all in this together, so let’s keep our trust in Him who comes alongside us and gives us the strength that equips us for such a time as this.
I know our times seem fragile at the moment, but as my mom used to say, “This too shall pass.” He is still on the throne and in control; God will work all things together for our good —the good, the bad, and the ugly! Let’s embrace His peace today and then share it with our fellow Pennsylvanians.
Dilonna Coran
State Director
