Experiencing Peace

Something completely new has happened in my life recently. I have seen the greatness of God's peace and I stand amazed by its power. For me, it is hard to believe in things until I actually experience them. My heart and mind demand proof. Simply telling me something does not necessarily comfort me. For example, you can tell me you love me a thousand times, but until you do something to show me in action, my heart has a tendency to doubt. Recently I have experienced something I always thought would bring me regret and sadness. Although I knew in my mind God never leaves me in times like this, I thought having complete peace in these circumstances was totally out of the question.
  
Friends close to my situation see what I went through and several have commented, "Ashley, you are very strong." Shame on me for taking any of the credit. I am the weakest of the weak. Half the time I cannot even muster the strength or boldness to speak to people. How much weaker am I when it comes to matters of the heart!  

God alone is my strength.  
God alone is my comfort.
In His everlasting arms I rest.

It is difficult to describe in words the way I feel right now. However, I do believe it is a direct result of my prayers for God's peace in my situation. Scripture says whoever asks in prayer receives. Jesus Himself said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." (Matthew 7:7) Also, Matthew 21:22 says "Whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”

So I'm learning to be bold, asking God to do great things. I am beginning to truly underderstand that God's purpose for my life is to bring Him eternal glory.

God made us to live life to the fullest. He constructed us to live in the power of the Holy Spirit. It is easy to miss out on what we were made for by seeking the pleasures and successes of this world. God wants us to live our lives resting in Him. And not just when trouble comes, but all the time--our whole lives. We are made to find stillness in our Creator. Nothing in this world is powerful enough to disrupt a human heart enveloped in the peace that comes from knowing and trusting in the God who always was and will be forever. The God that knows you better than yourself. As the song says, nothing compares to the greatness of knowing You, Lord.

Today, I am astounded by the rewards I have already received by placing my faith and hope in God. I know for a fact that His promises are true. The Holy Spirit lives in me and the fruit of the Spirit is a reality in my life.

Though God does let us go through pain sometimes and teaches us a lot in the midst of trials, He plans above all else for our lives to radiate His love. Instead of falling into self-pity, He wants us to fall at His feet, surrender ourselves and discover the joy of walking with Him. Recently I have felt God saying, "Ashley, how well do you radiate my love, glory, goodness, and forgiveness when things don't your way? Let me have your plans, your dreams and your future. Nothing will ever go any other way than the perfect way I have planned specifically for your life."

Ash