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Although the Apostle Paul anticipated that there would be trouble ahead, he was also confident that God would be with him and with the Christians in Rome. In this verse, God is described as the 'God of peace'. This refers back to Romans 5:1 which tells us that having believed in the Lord Jesus Christ we have peace with God - not just as a feeling giving us peace of mind, but as an objective legal condition.
That is, having been His enemies, through Christ we become His friends. Having been in rebellion against God, we have now been pardoned and welcomed into His family. As Romans 8:31 says "if God be for us, who can be against us?" So, not only do we have a legal and judicial peace with God, but we also know that no external trouble can ever separate us from His love (Romans 8:35-39). Although Paul would experience many difficulties over the following few years, he had peace in his heart which give him great confidence to continue preaching: he knew that he was on the Lord's side and the Lord would use him up until the end. And, he was certain of his eternal reward (2 Timothy 4:6-8).
Naturally, we seek an absence of conflict and stress. We like to be left alone to do what we choose but the Apostle Paul's example shows us that even in the middle of a crisis, those who are serving the Lord Jesus know the God of peace with them. Such people fulfil the purpose for which God has placed us on earth. Knowing that we are in the right place at the right time doing the right thing, brings a constructive, quiet strength to our hearts. Knowing that we are saved and secure for eternity should stop us from turning to any false god. What we learn in the life of faith we also need to share ... and remind our brothers and sisters that the God of peace is with them.
Prayer: God of peace. Thank You for the relief when I stopped fighting against You and for the peace of knowing that You are not against me. I am sorry when I allow so many things to disturb that peace, and ask that You please help me to find my safety and purpose in learning to please You even though there may be chaos around me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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