Fruit of the Spirit … Peace

I have just returned from a Bible Study — “Fruit of the Spirit” by Hazel Offner — with a dear friend. My friend has been diagnosed with Frontal Lobe Dementia and ALS. She is in her early 60s with a loving husband, two grown children, and four small grandchildren and one on the way.

I stopped at a local coffee shop to pick up coffee and scones to take along (I told you that I have a coffee ministry!) As we finished our coffee and got into God’s Word, I prayed silently for God to lead the study and give me the right words to say to comfort Sandy.

God is so good and not only did He give Words that were a comfort to Sandy, He gave me Words of comfort as well. We talked and cried together and the Holy Spirit ministered to both of us.

Isaiah 43:1-7: But now, this is what the Lord says … He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. 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. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life. Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth … everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”

The lesson spoke of the adversities of this life and His Word spoke of the One who gives us peace in spite of the adversities. We serve a mighty God! He still speaks through His Holy Word. I hope that you gained peace from this scripture; I certainly did.

Patricia Harvey