Receiving the Gifts Only God Can Give
Today’s Scripture:
“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” — John 14:27 (NIV)
There is a sacred difference between the way the world gives and the way God gives. The world offers fleeting satisfaction. It offers temporary solutions, shallow comforts, and surface-level peace. But Jesus, in John 14:27, gives something deeper. He offers divine peace. The kind of peace that holds us together when everything around us seems to be falling apart. The kind of peace that is not based on external circumstances but anchored in the eternal presence of God.
Jesus knew that the path ahead for His followers would not be easy. He knew they would face trials, persecution, fear, and uncertainty. Yet He offered them peace. Not just any peace. His peace. The peace that allowed Him to sleep in the middle of a storm. The peace that held Him steady as He prayed in Gethsemane. The peace that carried Him to the cross with love in His heart and forgiveness on His lips. This is the same peace He offers to each of us.
The gifts of God are unlike anything the world can offer. They are eternal. They are transformative. They carry the weight of glory and the breath of heaven. James 1:17 reminds us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” God’s gifts are consistent. They are pure. They are given in love, not manipulation or transaction.
Among these spiritual gifts are peace, love, grace, mercy, and discernment. Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This peace is not just emotional. It is spiritual. It is the restoration of relationship between us and the Father. It is knowing that no matter what happens in life, we are secure in Him.
The Holy Spirit is our guide into the fullness of these gifts. In John 14, Jesus speaks extensively about the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, who will teach and remind us of everything He has said. The Holy Spirit helps us walk in peace, respond with love, and rest in grace. Through the Spirit, we are warned of things to come, guided through difficult choices, and reminded of the truth that anchors our souls.
Isaiah 26:3 reinforces this idea: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.” Peace begins with trust. It is sustained by focus. When our minds and hearts are centered on God, peace becomes more than a feeling. It becomes a way of life.
The believer is set apart not by perfection, but by the presence of God. When we receive the gifts of God and live according to them, our lives reflect a different kingdom. We are not swayed by every storm or panicked by every problem. We are anchored. We are steady. We are full of light in a world full of confusion. That is the power of living in the peace of Christ.
Philippians 4:7 describes it best: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This peace is not logical. It does not always make sense. But it is real. It is powerful. It protects us from fear, anxiety, and emotional chaos.
Jesus closes the verse in John 14:27 by saying, “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” These are not just comforting words. They are divine instructions. As children of God, we are not to live in fear. We are to live in peace. And that peace is freely given to those who will receive it.
Three Practical Ways to Seek the Will of God Daily and Walk Out John 14:27:
Start your day in quiet communion with God.
Before the noise of the world begins, take time to sit in stillness. Read a passage of Scripture. Meditate on God’s promises. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with peace and prepare you for whatever the day may bring.Practice gratitude in every circumstance.
Peace grows in a heart that gives thanks. Even in hard times, choosing to thank God shifts your focus from problems to promises. It reminds you that God is still in control and still working for your good.Listen for the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
Make it a habit to pause and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in every decision. Whether big or small, He will give you wisdom and peace. Trusting His voice over your own will position you to walk in the gifts of God with confidence.
Final Encouragement:
The peace of God is more than a moment of calm. It is a gift. A promise. A lifestyle. It sets you apart and prepares you for the journey ahead. As you receive it, walk in it, and share it, may your heart be forever anchored in the truth that God gives differently. And His gifts never fail.