We live in crazy times. Many are facing long bouts of unemployment, wondering if things will ever turn around. Others are dealing with chronic illness or wayward children. We live in a fallen world filled with strife and uncertainty, sickness and death, but even in our fallen state, God reigns supreme. Today, author Mary Anslee Urban encourages us to actively grab hold of the peace Christ promised.
(Note: Mary Anslee Urban is giving away one free copy of her novel, Tapestry of Trust. There are three ways you can be entered into the drawing: 1) Leave a comment on this post, 2) share the link of this post on Facebook 3) Tweet the link. If you do option two or three, please send me an email to let me know.)
Peace for All Times by Mary Anslee Urban
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV
The day started out beautiful. Crisp and cool, a nice reprieve from the late summer’s blistering heat. The calm before the storm. September 11, 2001.
The kids were in school. I had a million errands to run, and my husband, an airline pilot, was on his way to the airport. A normal day… until the report of breaking news.
Panic mingled with frustration as I sank into a family room chair and watched the twin towers crumble to the ground. 
Over and over again the media replayed the scene. A plane hitting, clouds of billowing smoke, lost lives. My sense of safety and security evaporated. How could this happen in America?
Not only was our country under attack, but the weapon of choice was the type of airplane my husband flew for a living, which made the tragedy much more personal. My worries compounded when my husband arrived back home. Airlines grounded, future unknown.
The airline industry had struggled for years, teetering on the edge of bankruptcy. Now I had equal concerns, safety in the cockpit and my husband losing his job. Before my despair could consume me, I sat down to read God’s word.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world”—spoke to me loud and clear, and a gentle peace settled in my soul. God has overcome the world.
In the tough times of life, remember God’s peace is sufficient. He hears us, knows our pain and never will abandon us. This is our peace for all times.
Tapestry of Trust:
Surrendered Hearts—Interwoven Grace Isabelle had always envisioned Charlie Hamilton as the hero depicted in the romantic tapestry hanging in the Hamilton home. Then Charlie abandoned her to make decisions no one should make alone. Now, six years later, Charlie’s back, and despite Isabelle’s best efforts, she can’t ignore the longing his presence reignites. Charlie wants a second chance, but can Isabelle trust the man he’s become? Can she surrender her threadbare heart long enough for God to weave Isabelle’s own happily-ever-after tapestry?
Purchase Tapestry of Trust here.
Mary Annslee Urban is an author of Inspirational Romance. Her goal is to write stories that stir the heart about love, honor and God’s grace! Her debut book, Tapestry of Trust, White Rose Publishing, was released June 2012. Her second book with White Rose Publishing, She Came to See the Snow~A Colorado Christmas Romance, will be released Fall of 2012.
A Registered Nurse by trade, Mary also has been a freelance writer for newspapers in her area and has had articles published in magazines as well as online publications. A North Carolina resident, Mary and her husband have five children and 3 grandchildren. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys cooking, traveling, long walks and anything chocolate!
Visit her online: maryurban.blogspot.com
The peace Christ promises isn’t a peace devoid of conflict but instead, an assurance that God is in control regardless of what our circumstances indicate. Christ died to free us from everything that holds us in bondage, including anxiety and worry. The next time you are feeling anxious, what are some things you can do actively grab hold of the peace Christ offers? (I’ll share my thoughts once I see yours. 🙂 )
Join us at Living by Grace as we take about grabbing hold of and living in the peace Christ has already provided.
And make sure to come back to Living By Grace Friday and Saturday for our in-depth look at the book of James.
Sometimes God “plants” the perfect message for me right where He knows that I will see it! Since He knows that I read Jennifer’s blog the minute that I see it posted, he planted His message to me in her guests’ blog. I am awaiting the results of my sister’s PET scan today so that I can know the extent of her cancer. I am anxious and frightened…but much less anxious and frightened than I was before I read Mary’s comforting words. I will read them a few more times and hope that they help calm my fears. Thank you for reminding me of the power of God’s words!
Oh, Audrey, your words moved me to tears. It is so beautiful to see how God is caring for you, holding you through this time. And I love how you are focusing on His Words–His unchanging truth. Please let us know the results so we can pray for you. And to all my readers, please lift Audrey and her sister up in prayer.
Victorious, compassionate, all-powerful Jesus, please surround Audrey with your peace. May it penetrate to her very depths. Crowd out all anxious thoughts with your Truth. Speak Your words to her throughout the day, and provide a strong support system for both her and her sister to lean on.
Lord, You created every star. Your power is unfathomable. I pray that You would show Yourself strong on Audrey and her sister’s behalf. Do the miraculous Lord, and continue to show both of them the depths of Your love.
I also pray that you would guide them both in how to deal with their anxiety when it comes, whether that be to turn to you in prayer, meditate on Scripture, listen to praise music, or go for a walk. Thank you that You love both Audrey and her sister so deeply. Thank You that You are watching them closely, like a protective, tender Father. Thank You that You are sovereign and intimately involved in every detail of their lives.
We love You and praise You for Your power, love, and all You have done and will do.
In Christ’s name, amen.
Thank you Jennifer…your prayers always articulate my needs with clarity and grace. Thank you for caring!
I am so glad! And of course, my sweet friend!
I have been through anger and extreme hurt in the past week and a half. How would anyone feel if they found out that their Dad and Step-Mom were moving on FB? I am still asking why. Why weren’t my sister, brother, and I told to our faces that they planned to move? I doubt we will ever find out the answer to that question. Also why would they ignore phone calls and e-mails? What have we done? After prayer and counsel from our Pastor we have decided that we need to accept that we aren’t welcome in their life any more and move on. I am now experiencing peace that we are loved by our Heavenly Father and that calms my soul.
Oh, Judy, I can imagine how painful that must have been–must be. I am so sorry. When humans hurt me, I find comfort in reminding myself that God is not like that.
It sounds like you have a loving support system. I am glad. I am reminded of the verse that says God places the lonely in families.
Holy Father, please bring Judy peace and comfort and surround her by loving brothers and sisters in Christ.
It sounds like a great book. God’s peace can be sure even in the darkest storm Jesus has promised to be there. I am so thankful for the times when His still small voice penetrates my most anxious thoughts.
That is beautiful, Virginia, and what a gentle Savior we have! Each comment left on this post has revealed God’s tender love. When we are afraid, He whispers softly, “I am here.” He draws us to His Word, speaking powerful and peace-bringing truth to our anxious hearts. He surrounds us with His children so He can love us through them. Through countless ways, He shows us He sees what we are going through, He cares deeply about us and our situation, and He will carry us through it.
May God’s peace reign in your heart and mind today as you draw near to Christ.
Awesome comments and truths. Peace among trials~only God can supply that,
Blessings and peace to you all! Mary Annslee Urban
What a comforting post – on a day when I really need it. So many things happening personally and professionally – I needed to be reminded that God is in control and therefore, I can and do have peace.
Edwina, I am so glad.
Hold tight to God’s promise in Isaiah 43:2, my sweet sister:
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”