The Source of Peace: A Testimony
Today, on this first Sabbath of August, I praise the Father for allowing me the opportunity to be His humble instrument before my local church family. This is the Adventist church I grew up in.
The last time I was in front of these dear brothers and sisters was almost three years ago where I was asked about my faith. The church voted a week later to remove my name from their books for the belief I had in the Father and Son.
After being away from the area since then, with only a few sporadic visits, the door was opened in January to return to this valley where I was raised and I’ve been worshipping with my family again since then.
The invitation to speak to them today was in song. What could I sing? I yearned to share truth that would bless others and honour the Father and Son.
Here is what our Father blessed me with. It is a combination of Scripture and song that tells where the source of our peace is. Thank you Father for opening this door. I pray for other opportunities to share as You lead the way. I must decrease and You must increase.
"Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he (Jesus) went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth." - (Luke 8:22)
"But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish…” - (Luke 8:23, 24)
"They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; these see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep. For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof." - (Psalm 107:23-25)
"They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end. Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble…." - (Psalm 107:26-28)
"Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications. In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me." - (Psalm 86:6-7 KJV)
SING: “When I think I'm going under, part the waters, Lord.
When I feel the waves around me, calm the sea.
When I cry for help, O hear me, and hold out Your hand.
Touch my life, still the raging storm in me.”
Then came the answer to my prayer.
SING: “Oh let the Son of God enfold you with His Spirit and His love.
Let Him fill your heart and satisfy your soul.
Oh let Him have the things that hold you, and His Spirit like a dove
will descend upon your life, and make you whole.”
Thank you Father for hearing and answering my prayer. I humbly ask your Son,
SING: “Jesus, oh Jesus, come and fill your lambs.
Jesus, oh Jesus, come and fill your lambs with Your Spirit.”
“Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still." - (Psalm 107:28-29)
“Then Jesus arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.” “Then are they glad because the waves be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven." - (Luke 8:24; Psalm 107:30)
How was Jesus able to have such peace and even sleep through a raging storm? He knew where His value and identity lie for at His baptism His Father assures Him as He had always done from the days of eternity, “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” This simple yet profound declaration from His Father of His identity was all He needed to face the temptations of the Devil in the wilderness and throughout His entire life here on earth.
Your identity and value comes from the same source. Your Father in heaven looks at each of you and declares, “You are my beloved children in whom I am well pleased.” This assurance is the source of our peace.
SING: “Peace, peace, wonderful peace, coming down from the Father above.
Sweep over my spirit forever I pray, in fathomless billows of love.”
