Purpose in Pain: The Power of Peace

We were given the option to have tests run to find out exactly what had caused the loss of the pregnancy. Both Tim and I said, without hesitation, that we did not need to know. I see nothing wrong with finding out, and had it been our first I believe we may have been more likely to opt for this testing; however, in this moment we were both able to just accept that God was in complete control and had it all taken care of. The fact that He knew what was going on was sufficient.

I have mentioned that scripture was put to the test in my life through this trial as never before. In addition to this, I began to see many scriptures that I had quoted for years in an entirely new way.

As I was getting ready for bed that night, I was trying to figure out how it was possible that I didn’t feel the need to ask why and that we had no need to be able to explain it all. Being such a strong type A personality, this is very against my nature. Then the Lord brought these verses to mind:

  “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, 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.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)

I had always seen this scripture as describing a peace that could not be explained and that passed all reason. This is very true, but this night I understood an entirely new aspect of God’s peace. Not only does it pass understanding, but it surpasses understanding, meaning it is better than understanding! So it hit me; having the peace of God was better than having the scientific explanation.  Not only can God’s peace not be explained, but it means I need no explanation!

Think on that for a while. It is amazing. I can’t explain the peace we had, but because we had it we needed no further understanding. Only God can do that…especially in someone like me who always feels the need to understand everything!

With this kind of peace we can take whatever life throws our way. But there is only one way to obtain this peace, and that is by coming to and abiding in the One who gives it.

So that night, wrapped in my husband’s arms and the Father’s love, I drifted off to sleep with a heavy heart but a spirit that was inexplicably strong and at peace.

“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. “ Matthew 5:4

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalm 34:18