Justice and Peace
By“How are you today?”
The attractive hotel receptionist in Bulgaria returned her hospitality-industry smile, “Actually, I have very bad pain here and here.” Pointing to her head and upper body, she was clearly experiencing a very challenging day.
No need for explanations. Sensing the depth of her pain and reaching across the lobby desk, my outstretched hand was willingly taken by hers. “God loves you very much, and Jesus has made it possible for you to be well today.” A gentle touch and a simple prayer. She smiled with gratitude and I went on my way to the next divine appointment of the day—hundreds of people gathered for a conference.
Opportunity meets preparation
Success occurs when opportunity meets preparation. How easy it is to either capture or to bypass those opportunities! Alongside social skills and entrepreneurial spectacles, one component stands out in seizing an opportunity—preparation of the heart. I have discovered that people everywhere don’t care how much you know until firstly they know how much you care.
Proverbs 16:1 The preparations of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
Later, the efficient hotel receptionist cheerfully relayed that she was feeling much better. Oh, how much God loves people! Opportunities to connect earth with heaven may knock unexpectedly, or otherwise may be created intentionally by those whose hearts and minds are prepared.
A cause greater than ourselves
Psychologists say that the only truly happy people in the world are those who have found a cause greater than themselves to live for. Yes, we have found a cause greater than ourselves—the cause to bring justice and peace wherever we are sent. Having experienced peace with God, we carry the powerful peace of God into a troubled world.
Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…
Philippians 4:6-7 …let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Ambassadors
Jesus Christ calls you to become His ambassador, His representative. Maybe your arm stretches across nations in a cause to communicate the good news of Christ, to stand for justice and promote basic human dignity. How about close to home? Daily, as we consciously connect with our God, we will each carry His heart’s passion to free oppressed people. Grateful for the peace we experience, we can execute justice and administer peace everywhere we go.
