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Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27). His peace brings order to our hearts and lives, even when storms rage around us. Yet at times it can feel so elusive.
If this resonates with you, be encouraged. God's peace is a powerful and personal gift that belongs to you.
The Boat, the Storm, and the Savior
"[A]nd the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7 NKJV)
One day, Jesus told His disciples to take the boat across the lake. Along the way, a terrible storm blew in, and the disciples feared for their lives. Meanwhile, Jesus was asleep, resting His head on a cushion. While they were panicking, He was at peace (see Mark 4:35–41)!
The Old Sea Captain
This story brings to mind an extraordinary encounter with the Lord that I had in 2018. I was driving home and stopped for a break at a harbor inlet. As I walked along the water, passing by a public park bench, suddenly my spiritual eyes were opened, and I saw Jesus sitting there.
To my surprise, Jesus was simultaneously in the form of Himself and an old sea captain! He turned His face to me and said, "I know the boat and I know the seas." It was a very profound and vivid experience. He seemed to be saying, "I've got this! You are safe!"
An old fishing boat captain has weathered many storms and survived them all. In those brief seconds, Jesus exuded confidence as someone who had mastered every condition of the sea and said, "You are safe with Me!"
I believe this message will comfort someone who needs it most right now.
Jesus says, "I know the boat and I know the seas." (Photo via PickPik)
I want to note that I did not see this vision with my physical eyes; it was a spiritual experience of unusual intensity. While it was taking place, it felt as real to me as a physical sighting. I can't fully explain the captain and Jesus appearing together. It was as if I perceived the captain but recognized Jesus' eyes in his face.
How to Overcome Storms Through the Power of Peace
The gospel story reminds us that God not only wants us to survive storms, and but to ride out the gales. He has called us to be overcomers through His gift and power of peace.
1. Peace Is a Person: Jesus
When the disciples (some of whom were in the fishing business) lost control of the boat, they discovered who the real Captain was on board. Jesus' peace wasn't tied to the circumstances around Him. His eyes were on the Father and what He was doing, and God was taking them to the other side.
True peace isn't just a state of calm; it's found in Jesus, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). He doesn't merely bring peace; He is peace. The Bible prophesies about the Messiah as "Shiloh," meaning tranquility or rest (see Genesis 49:10; Strong's 7886).
2. Receive Peace as a Gift
Sometimes facing a trial can leave us feeling disheartened. When peace seems out of reach, we might think we've fallen short or something is wrong. If you can relate to that, be reassured. God's peace isn't about your worthiness or effort, it's a gift of grace! Right now, you have grace for peace.
Today, hear Jesus say, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27, NKJV)
The Greek word for troubled (tarassó) means "to stir up" and "agitate," reminiscent of stormy waters (Strong's G5015). But eiréné, the Greek word for peace, means "rest" and "denotes a state of tranquility" (Strong's G1515).
3. Be a Commander of Peace
The peace of God's Kingdom is not passive, it's powerful. It's not theoretical, it's tangible.
Jesus demonstrated the power of peace when He silenced the storm with the command "Peace, be still!" (Mark 4:39). The Greek word for peace (siópaó) means "silence" or "muteness" (Strong's G4623). It's as though you're pressing the mute button in a noisy room. (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)
Peace is transferable. It can alter atmospheres!
In Mark 4:40, after Jesus calmed the storm, He asked the disciples, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?" Faith and peace are related. As His followers, we carry this authority too. Wherever you go, you can release God's peace into turmoil and restore order to chaos.
4. Remember, Peace Is Abundant
Paul writes, "[F]or the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans 14:17 NKJV)
Peace is the culture of the Kingdom and the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). So, we do not need to have a scarcity mindset concerning it. Instead, we can have complete security in God's peace, knowing it is in abundant supply.
The Face of the Sea Captain
Five years later, in 2023, I spent a few days in my childhood neighborhood in Auckland, New Zealand, for a family reunion with my dad. Walking into my accommodation, I admired the scenery through the windows. Then I turned, and on the wall beside me was a portrait of a rugged, old sea captain!
The captain's face took my breath away. Suddenly, I was taken back to that encounter by the sea, and I knew this stay in Auckland was a divine appointment. What I didn't know then was that those days were to be the last that I saw my dad on this earth.
The Triumph of Peace
Looking back, I recognize God's peace in the trial, the storm, and the mystery. In this world today, trouble takes away peace. But in God's Kingdom, peace triumphs over trouble. I pray, whatever mystery you face today, that you would encounter His peace. Hear Him say, "Beloved! Keep your eyes on Me."
Let us declare together: Let there be peace, in Jesus' name!
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Helen Calder
Enliven Ministries
Email: helen@enlivenpublishing.com
Website: www.enlivenpublishing.com
Helen Calder is a prophetic minister and writer, and founder of Enliven Ministries, in the David McCracken Ministries family. Helen has a unique gift of equipping in the areas of prophetic ministry, discernment and prayer. She is known for Enliven Blog, an online prophetic training and mentoring resource that reaches thousands of people globally. Helen and Malcolm have been married for thirty-seven years and are at home in Planetshakers Church, Melbourne, Australia.
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