My name is Laurie-Ann, and I’m a missionary. During my mission travels, I have ministered with people in Northern Ireland, Pakistan, Canada and the USA. I’ve also ministered in African countries like Kenya, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Mozambique, South Africa, Botswana and Namibia. But at this time, we live in the beautiful Western Cape of South Africa.
During our last articles, we journeyed through growing in courage. We found that true courage is a gift from God. But it is also developed as we choose to focus on our source: God. This is what David did when he confronted Goliath in a mighty way to defend God’s honour to the Israelite army. Courage, strength and joy are connected, as the joy of the Lord is our strength. But so too, is courage. Courage goes beyond the ability to stand and not back down. It’s also strength in the face of pain and grief; especially in the example of fighting an extended illness with great courage. The illness could be cancer, or many invisible disabilities that bring daily pain and discouragement. This is why courage to face the day is needed. Canadian prophet Darren Canning recently shared a great example of courage a few months ago: He said, “One person in a war may seem like one piece of sand upon the seashore but one person filled with courage can speak to the wildest waves and they will have to obey.” (Darren Canning, FB post October 10, 2019)
Everyday courage is also shown in your life wherever you are. Perhaps you are looking at your OWN situation through your perspective. God wants you to come up higher to where he is, so that you can view the things that make you feel small and weak. Instead, be strong and accept HIS strength in you. To move forward, it is best to face your deepest fears! Through God’s perspective, those fears are small and He helps you move through it to conquer. You are a warrior. Now we are going to learn about peace, which to be honest has been a difficult topic to nail down.
Peace is not just the absence of war and strife, but this is something that many people give a toast towards. They clink their glasses and say “to world peace.” I doubt that would happen, especially in some troubled spots, but we like to think that we have a handle on the situation. We care. A Christian version of that is to remember those who fought in World War 1 and 2, as well as later conflicts. There are so many. We remember them on Remembrance Day, November 11, at 11 in the morning. The British call this Armistice Day and the Americans call it Veterans’ Day. It’s important to remember those who work to protect us from harm, like the military and the police. I remember when I was part of a church choir. I love to sing. There is a song that we used to sing that goes, “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.” If you know it, that mention may put the tune in your head. It’s a good thing to remember.
Peacemakers are special people put in difficult situations. They can be military, chaplains, or ordinary folk like you and me. Many times in church history, missionaries and pastors have been used to diffuse situations. I remember reading some Olea Nel books about Andrew Murray’s life. He diffused many storms during his ministry in Bloemfontein, as well as being used as an instrument of revival in the Cape Awakening in the 1860’s.
Peacemaking is one aspect of stewarding God’s grace and peace. Ken Sande has written a few books on resolving conflicts. I read through much of his book The Peacemaker. He talks about the four G’s of peacemaking. These are: Number one: Glorify God. How can we please and honour God in this situation? Glorifying God benefits you as well as inviting the Holy Spirit into the situation.
Number two: Get the log out of your own eye. How can we show Jesus’ work in me by taking responsibility for our own contribution to this conflict? Jesus challenged the Pharisees in Matthew 7:3. He said, “Why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own?” Sometimes our own sins and struggles colour your perspective and worsen the situation.
Number three: Gently restore. How can I lovingly serve others to help take their own responsibility?
Number Four: Go and be reconciled. How can I demonstrate the forgiveness of God and encourage a reasonable solution to this conflict? [Ken Sande, The Peacemaker, P 37 – 38]
Ken also notes that when people hurt you, and you respond in pain, he has a solution for that: “Instead of reacting harshly or seeking revenge, God calls us to be merciful to those to offend us. Luke 6:36 says, “You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.” We cannot serve others this way in our own strength. We must continually breathe in God’s grace” (through Bible Study, prayer, worship and Christian fellowship). [Ken Sande, The Peacemaker, P 34]. You need to have peace to be a peacemaker. Running away from conflict is not the answer, although temporarily it may give a little break. It’s not a long term solution.
But when you are in a situation, and show God’s glory in diffusing it, there is a special blessing for you. Matthew 5:9 says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons and daughters of God.” Now all who come to faith in Jesus are sons and daughters, so this likely means peacemaking is very much part of our role at some time or another.
Peace is also something that combats uncertainty. When you have confidence and trust in Jesus, you can have peace that while you aren’t in control, he is. You can’t do anything about what you can’t control. If the storm or situation feels too big, He will help show you the steps, one by one to take, to resolve the issue. God is faithful and will finish what He started, and will fulfill his promises. Philippians 1:6 shares that, “God is the one who began this good work in you, and I am certain that he won’t stop before it is complete.”
Max Lucado shares in his book Be Anxious for Nothing, on how to diffuse the anxiety that comes when you are overwhelmed and you don’t feel in control. He confirms my thoughts that when you believe that God is sovereign and in control, you have a measure of peace. He says, “Belief always precedes behaviour. For this reason, the apostle Paul in each of his epistles, addressed convictions before he addressed actions. To change the way a person responds to life, change what a person believes about life.” “In the treatment of anxiety, a proper understanding of sovereignty is huge.
Anxiety is often the consequence of perceived chaos. If we sense we are victims of unseen, turbulent, random forces, we are troubled.” [Max Lucado: Be Anxious for Nothing P22] So, the formula is simple: Perceived control creates calm. Lack of control gives birth for fear.” Here’s an example: “A team of German researchers found that a traffic jam increases your chances of a heart attack threefold. Makes sense. Gridlock is the ultimate loss of control. You may know how to drive, but that fellow in the next lane doesn’t! We can be the best drivers in history, but the texting teenager might be the end of us. There is no predictability, just stress.” Anxiety increases as perceived control decreases.” [Lucado, p 23]
We want certainty, but the only certainty is the lack of it. This is why the most stressed-out people are control freaks. “We can’t take control, because control is not ours to take.” The Bible has a much better idea. Rather than seeking total control, relinquish it instead. You can give it to God. Peace is within reach, not for lack of problems, but because of the presence of a sovereign Lord.” Instead of rehearsing the chaos of the world situations or a personal crisis, instead, rejoice in the Lord’s sovereignty, as Paul did.” [Lucado, p 24] To read Paul is to read the words of a man who, in the innermost part of his being, he believed in the steady hand of a good God. He was protected by God’s strength, preserved by God’s love. He lived beneath the shadow of God’s wings. Do you?” It’s a choice. Do you want to live in fear or let go and live in peace?
Peace is also a fruit of the Spirit, as shown in Galatians 5:22-23. The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control.” Peace is a supernatural by-product of getting closer to Jesus. If God is peaceful by nature, then to get close to God is to live in His peace. The nearer we move to Him, the more of His peace we can experience. Thankfully, the Bible provides us specific guidance about how to be closer to Him. James 4:8 shares that if we “Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” If you are genuinely seeking him, he will not turn you away.
Matthew 7:7-8 promises us to, “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” That promise is the Holy Spirit, and this includes peace. The Apostle Paul also advises us in Colossians 3:15. He said to “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body, you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
I found quite a few readings on peace, from my former employer, Darren Canning, to the editors of Christianity.com. Let’s hear Darren’s prophetic words on peace. When I read his message, think about trusting Jesus and letting him carry you. Darren shares that God’s peace drips on us like dew, when we are in his presence. His message is called “His Peace in the Storm.” When I hear those words, I think of Jesus being asleep in the boat, while his disciples were fearful due to the storm. And when he woke up, he was still at peace and commanded the wind and the waves to be still. And they were. That is peace in the storm. Peace wins out over fear. Look up the story in Mark 4 verses 34 to 41. Here’s Darren:
“The term ‘fear not’ occurs in the Bible 365 times. This is one for every day of the year. There is a reason that “Fear Not” is in the Bible that many times and that is because as people we deal with all kinds of fear, but you do not have to fear in Christ.” [Darren Canning, “His Peace in the Storm” ministry email message, September 8, 2019]
Darren says that healing of the mind is really healing from fears. What is the fear that you need to overcome today? Jesus is the answer for it. Darren met two older women recently who told him they had a fear of heights; so to overcome that fear, they went para-sailing in Florida. Afterward they told him they still had a fear of heights. That might seem funny but we do all kinds of things in the natural to try to overcome our fear but really our fears are healed in Christ in God. What is your fear today? Are you afraid of being alone? Are you afraid of the dark? Are you afraid of losing it all or dying?
Whatever you are afraid of, God has the answer for that fear. Psalm 23:4 says, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Darren shares that “His precious peace in my heart says to me that everything is going to be OK. There are times I don’t feel that peace and I even forget to pray in those times. For a little while anyway his peace is not with me, but then I remember Him again and His spirit is with me. His spirit inside of me is the assurance that I will pass through the troubled waters. Isaiah 43:2 says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” [Darren Canning, “His Peace in the Storm”] This passage in Isaiah actually represents a promise from God. Your anxiety and fear may feel like a fire but the Lord will meet you in the fire. Just pray. Just seek Him. Declare His name over that storm that you are facing today. The waters may be churning inside your life, but He is the one who can end the storm. He will be with you through every trial and every problem. You will overcome this world by the power of God within you. [Darren Canning, “His Peace in the Storm”] Darren says that God’s peace drenches him like dew.
When Darren becomes aware of it, things have a way of turning around. God is able to make all grace abound in his life. and He does. Stay close to Him today and watch as He shifts you into a new mindset.” [Darren Canning, “His Peace in the Storm”] This goes back to what Max Lucado shared earlier. When we believe Jesus and his care for us, we know we aren’t alone. Jesus is with us, walking with us and when we look into his loving, fiery eyes, we can’t help but have softened hearts, and know that he cares for every detail.
Peace is also very important as a confirmation in decision making. Just as I was writing this devotional, a teacher friend told me that her husband was offered a wonderful work position in Clanwilliam. However, it would mean leaving his wife and child behind, in a time when they want to have another child. He said no to the opportunity, because he did not have peace about it. And when he shared his decision with his wife, she felt such deep peace that she could stop, breathe and feel the peace come and fill her like a waterfall.
What is the peace of God? Is it just goosebumps, or fleeting moments? It doesn’t have to be. We can live in peace, as we desire more and more of God. It’s one of the benefits of being with him. When I was diagnosed with cancer, I felt very deep peace when the doctor gave me the news. I had a picture of Jesus carrying me, and since then, he still is. Peace, joy and a positive attitude were part of the reason why the tumour already shrunk 60 percent in two months. Think of it, 60 percent! That’s not just the chemo. It’s God. It’s also the prayers of the children we teach, and the teens that we disciple. It’s the prayers of many churches in the Western Cape, and eastern and southern Ontario. There are so many factors. But they are all weaved together by God through his deep peace. Now in May 2021, I am cancer free! (However, the journey continues with recovering from the harsh treatments).
Elizabeth George writes devotional books. One of them is Experiencing God’s Peace, which is a Bible study on Philippians. I recommend this book, since normally Philippians is seen as a book of joy in the midst of difficult circumstances. Paul was in custody as a prisoner, and chained to a guard all of the time. Yet he had joy and he had peace, as he got to share the gospel with his guards, and he had joy in counselling the Philippian church. In the midst of her study, Elizabeth shares, “But our wonderful God has provided real peace for us as his dear children – and this includes you! What a splendid thought to know that, even though Jesus stated in John 6:33, “In the world, you will have tribulation, (BUT) you will have the provision of God’s perfect peace in every circumstance through all of life.” [Elizabeth George, Experiencing God’s Peace p 10] She even pairs together grace and peace as supernatural power twins in Philippians chapter 1. This is part of Paul’s greeting to the church. It’s not a throwaway line! Here is Paul’s prayer in verse 2: “May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.” These two together are like strength, perseverance and deep peace. Wouldn’t you love some of that?
And then I read the very core of what God’s peace really is. It’s not something that is fleeting. It can last a long time. Here’s the take on peace from the editors of Christianity.com. “According to the Bible, the peace of God, “which transcends all understanding,” is the harmony and calmness of body, mind, and spirit that supersedes earthly circumstance. Nearly all of the letters of Paul start with the phrase “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Throughout scripture, we find that peace is defined as a blessing from God and harmonious with His character.” [Christianity.com, What is the Peace of God? https://www.christianity.com/wiki/god/what-is-the-peace-of-god-biblical-meaning.html]
The Apostle Paul shared in Philippians 4:7 that after we pray and leave our concerns with God, this happens… “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” The peace of God can also be described as a tranquil state of appreciation and faith. This happens especially when we submit to and trust the commandments of God and Christ. “It requires a mixture of humility and courage to experience God’s peace, seeking beyond the mere abilities of our own understanding.” [What is the Peace of God] Sometimes we just don’t understand, but that’s okay. We don’t see the whole picture. Proverbs 3:5 reminds us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. The next verse tells us to “acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will direct your paths.” We need to trust God and let go of our fears. Most of the fears are about things that won’t happen anyway.
Ask him to give you that peace. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 shares a wonderful prayer of peace. Paul prayed: “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The nearer we move to Him, the more of His peace we can experience.
Daniel Pontius also shares about that perfect peace in a deep way. He says that this otherworldly Peace has the capability of not just safeguarding you and your life, but also shifting the atmospheres and circumstances wherever you go as well.” [Daniel Pontius, “Jesus’ Powerful Peace,” ministry email through Darren Canning Ministries, November 10, 2019]
Philippians 4:7 speaks into our hearts: “And GOD’S PEACE WHICH TRANSCENDS ALL UNDERSTANDING shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” This Powerful Peace bypasses your natural understanding; because it will be there when you shouldn’t normally be experiencing such peace. Then if you take it, and speak to the storms of your life with it, it will even silence those storms around you as well! Whether they are in your life or the lives of those around you, this Powerful Heavenly force of God will be your ally when YOU NEED IT THE MOST AND EXPECT IT THE LEAST!!! Jesus told us, in John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.” [Daniel Pontius, “Jesus’ Powerful Peace,”
So as I close, I pray over you the perfect peace that you need in your situation. It’s not manufactured by us. Our part is to stop, breathe and seek God. Give him your situation. And if you don’t know Jesus yet, give him your life. Don’t worry, Jesus cares for you deeply. Take a deep breath and walk forward. Jesus is standing right before you. Will you let him carry you? Will you let him give you his deep peace? Don’t be anxious. Offer yourself and your requests to God. Jesus is listening. Holy Spirit is ready to touch and fill you. He will wash away sins, and heal your heart as you continue to give all your hurts to him.
Lord Jesus, I thank you for your perfect peace. It’s not a worldly peace, but a supernatural peace that we all want more of. We also want you. You are the perfect prince of peace. Thank you for all you did and do for us. Thank you for everything. Fill the hearts of all who are listening. You are real. And you are a very personal God. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Remember, do not be anxious about anything. In every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present those requests to God. Don’t forget.
If you’d like to hear an audio version of this article, please visit the Ways to Grow in God (WTGIG) podcast page on the coppleswesterncape.ca website (under the “Listen” drop-down menu). Click here: (https://www.coppleswesterncape.ca/wtgig-podcasts.html) and scroll down to #66! If you have been blessed by this article, please let us know!
Updates: For those looking for news on my cancer journey, I’m now declared chemically cancer free as of February 2021, but still in post-cancer treatments (lymphedema massage, physio, medications, scans and blood work).
On a side note, God’s peace is something that I’m clinging to as we plan our way back to Canada. At the moment, our passports are in the hands of Home Affairs, so that we have an extension on our medical visas. We would like to return in September 2021, and (after quarantine) we plan to stay with and care for my frail 92 year old dad. Part of us longs for Canada, but we still greatly love South Africa. We are glad that Jesus is carrying us, since we are frail. Tony has prostate cancer, but it may wait until our journey to Canada. We trust that its progress will be slow enough that the effects of the covid pandemic on the Canadian health system won’t hinder his healing. It would have hindered me, since inflammatory cancer doesn’t wait! Thanks for coming alongside us on our journey.
We believe that the medical treatment here is excellent, although expensive, despite the rand-Canadian dollar exchange has helped keep costs almost 15 percent lower. We have incurred significant medical debt, although kind people in Canada and around the world have helped us so far. God bless each and every one of them. But we still need help. Tony has significant medical bills as well for TB, eye surgery and other issues. Please click here for the medical campaign page to get more info: https://www.coppleswesterncape.ca/medical-campaign.html. I want to thank Teriro, who blessed us with a gift in February. We weren’t expecting it when it came! Most people who are led to give are friends, or friends of friends, so when friends we’ve not met yet respond, it’s very special!
We are still crowdfunding to cover the L-A’s post cancer treatments (as well as Tony’s TB, eye and prostate treatments). If you feel led to contribute, please do so via our PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/WaystogrowinGod If you do, please introduce yourself and say that you read “Ways to Grow in God.” It would really bless us!
L-A’s colouring book: If you are in South Africa, and would like to purchase one of L-A’s colouring books, they are available at OliveTree Bookshop in Mountain Mill Shopping Centre (near Pick n Pay), Worcester, Western Cape. You can also buy them at LeRoux and Fourie Wineshop on R60 beside Cape Lime (between Nuy and Robertson). Or you can order one (or more) printed for you through Takealot.com through this link:
https://www.takealot.com/colouring-with-jesus/PLID68586424
The Colouring with Jesus 2 is in the works. We just finished translation mode into Afrikaans, and the book is in proof reading mode in both languages. After we return to Canada, we plan to republish the devotional colouring books into English-French. Bless you and thank you for your support!
Love, Laurie-Ann
Ways to Grow in God 
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