"I want the peace that surpasses understanding. I want it to guard my heart so that it is not injured during a time of challenge, and I can move confidently knowing that God is in control." Kathy Spampinato

Life brings us obstacles and challenges to be overcome. Our path is not smooth or easy. Yet, it is in the difficult moments that we grow and strengthen our resolve. Where do you look for your motivation and strength? I have always found that it is the truths of the Bible that guide and teach me during those moments.

John 16, 33 TPT states, "And everything I've taught you is so that the peace which is in me will be in you and will give you great confidence as you rest in me. For in this unbelieving world you will experience trouble and sorrows, but you must be courageous, for I have overcome the world!"

Philippians 4:7 TPT :...then God's wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will guard your heart and mind through Jesus Christ."

The first verse is a direct quote from Jesus to His disciples. The peace that Jesus walked in can be ours. That sounds good to me! I want the peace that surpasses understanding. I want it to guard my heart so that it is not injured during a time of challenge, and I can move confidently knowing that God is in control. He is my strong tower. My mind can dismiss the anxious thoughts that run in circles and do not allow me to find rest or security. I really can rely on Jesus because He has overcome the world!

1 John 5:4-5 ESV "For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?"

Our faith is what motivates us and enables us to triumph over the difficult circumstances of our life. It is faith that acknowledges that Jesus has provided victory for us. We must believe that He is with us and will direct us. Knowing Jesus gives us the grace to believe and to choose to follow His ways. That will propel us to victory. We must make Him the source of our strength and direction. It is His victory that enables us to grow and conquer the enemy.

Romans 8: 37-38 says, "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

There is nothing in all creation that can force separation between you and God- except you! You can choose to follow the wisdom of the world, or the desires of your own heart, and let them pull you away from trusting God. But you can also choose to rely on and trust God. It is up to you. Let's celebrate that God has given us the ability to steer our faith to believe in Him and to walk in His ways.

1 Corinthians 15:57-58 "

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."