God's Peace

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. This verse came to me this evening as I sat during a band concert at the high school. God gives us such peace if we only seek it from Him. It isn't something that we have to work for, it is freely given. It is something I can find in the stillness of my soul when I sit quietly and listen. I believe that God answers prayer. It isn't always in a showy manner. It isn't even always a prayer you know you are praying or that someone is praying for you. But prayers are answered. Recently we have been through a lot of health issues with my husband's father. I have asked for prayer for him and for our family from many sources. I have asked for peace and understanding in my soul. God has answered all the prayers. My father in law is still dealing with health issues but is on the road to the recovery that his body will allow. The rest of the family is prayerfully and quietly accepting the new order of things. It is going to take time for everything to be sorted out but I believe there is a more peacefull acceptance of the way things will need to be handled. I talked with a friend last night who informed me that he had been praying for my father in law as well as the rest of the family. I mentioned to him in passing something else that was weighing on my mind but not heavily. Today the item on my mind was answered. I hadn't even begun to pray earnestly about the issue but the silent wish in my heart was answered. I called my friend and asked if he had lifted that in prayer last night and he stated he had lifted it but not specifically. God answered it anyway. It relieved me to know that even when it isn't an earnest prayer, God knows the needs and wants in our lives and He answers appropriately. May you have peace and joy in your hearts and quietness in your minds, knowing that God cares for you as much as He cares for His Son.