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.