By Dianne Coflin, Co-Pastor
River of Life Church
In Genesis 8:22 it says, “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” There will always be different seasons on the earth because God ordained it that way. For instance, when a season is turning, we feel even the weather change just before we enter into the next season. This is especially true in Florida. We feel the weather heat up after spring and just before the summer. We can actually feel the season turning. In the same manner that we see seasons turn in the natural, we can see there are seasons that turn in the spirit. For instance, we can be in a season of joy and peace, but then there might be a season that is full of trouble and chaos. The Bible speaks of times of tribulation. In the book of John, Jesus said,
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you will have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]” John 16:33 AMPC
You will notice in this verse that Jesus said (in the world) you will have troubles, trials, distress and frustration. That sounds like a chaotic season to me. In fact, in the book of 1 Peter he mentions that you may even have a heavy heart for a season due to the chaos. When a season is chaotic, it is characterized by a state of confusion and disorder. I don’t think anyone would necessarily say or feel that would be a season you would enjoy.
Everything about God’s kingdom is described as righteousness, peace, and joy (Rom 4:17). God’s kingdom is always orderly and never chaotic. God wanted us to know that here on earth, living in this world, where mankind conducts his affairs, apart from Him, may bring a lot of unrest, and disruption. He wanted us to know we would go through seasons like this. You might wonder, “What is God’s advice? I am glad you asked!
When Jesus spoke this scripture in John 16:33, he was preparing his team for what was going to be a time of chaos. He would be leaving them, and their entire world would feel shaken, their destiny uncertain, and they wouldn’t understand. He was going to the cross to fulfill His destiny to take on the guilt, shame, and sin of the world that would pave the way for eternal life for everyone. Even though he tried to prepare them they nevertheless were still shaken by the events when they finally took place.
One of the first things he said in this verse was, I am telling you these things are going to happen SO THAT IN ME you can have perfect peace and confidence. In the worldly affairs it’s going to be chaotic, but in ME you can have peace.
This tells me that having Jesus in our hearts and depending on Him in a distressing time can bring us Peace. He is actually called the “Prince of Peace.” I am reminded in Philippians 4:6-7 AMPC where the apostle Paul wrote,
“Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests) with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.
And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
This tells me there is a place in our hearts after we pray, that God will impart a peace that will keep our heart and mind. I want to ask you today, do you need Peace, does your world feel chaotic at the moment? This is God’s heart towards you to settle your mind and depend on Him to sort out the chaos.
You’ll notice in the latter part of John 16:33, he tells them to “be of good cheer” meaning to take courage, be confident, certain, undaunted by the seemingly chaotic events that would take place in their lives. Did you know that his encouragement was to remind them of something?
It was, that no matter how uncertain they felt, how confused and disorderly things were in the world, that in Him they could receive the courage to be confident, that He had overcome the world and deprived it of its power to harm them.
Jesus knew that his death, burial and resurrection would empower them to not only receive eternal life but empower them also to live in a place of victory and peace regardless of what was going on around them.
Maybe you feel that you are in a season of distress, maybe you need to pause and take the care of your concern to the only one who can bring order out chaos!!
I pray God’s love and blessings overtake you! Dr. Dianne Coflin, Co-Pastor River of Life Church, Lutz, Florida (410 East Chapman Road) Services 10:30 Sunday, Wednesday at 7:00 PM and The Gathering service Sunday 6:00 Pm. We would love to have you join us!!
410 E. Chapman Rd.
Lutz, FL 33549 – (813) 949-9931
www.roltampa.org