Advent Guide: The Wonder of ChristmasSample

Peace Without Escape

Have you ever wanted to yell out, "Get me out of here!" when you found yourself in an embarrassing situation, frustrating experience, or a painful time in life? Have you ever felt a quick escape would be the best answer to your pain or problem?

Jesus' prayer for His disciples in John 17:13-15 leaves out a plea of, "Father, get them out of here!" and closes the lid on escape hatch rescues.

In fact, Jesus promised that "in this world, you will have trouble" (John 16:33). Jesus could have whisked the disciples out of the world and away from trouble. Instead, Jesus asks of the Father, "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world" (John 17:13a).

In the midst of a troubled world, His promise is, "But take heart; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

Jesus wanted the disciples – and you – to hear His prayer and know that a full measure of peace would be available even when an escape from the world is not.

How can we have peace without escape?

Escaping trouble is not the only means to experience God's Intervention on our behalf. God extends His Protection to us in the midst of trouble.

God's Truth protects us from deception. His Strength protects us from weakness. His Peace protects us from anxiety. His Grace from self-destruction. His Presence from loneliness. Even sin and death succumb to His Protection: "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" (1 Cor. 15:55).

Do you think you would feel better if you could just get away from all of this? Instead of looking for life's ejection seat lever, join Jesus in His prayer. Ask God for His Peace today.

Lord, in the midst of my trouble, help me to experience You and the full measure of Your Peace.

Jesse Rincones is Executive Director of the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas.