Peace Before the Battle

Good morning,
 
Have you ever been astonished by your own emotions?  I can't help but believe that Gideon was shocked when the peace of God flooded his heart.  God had ask him to lead his nation against a great army.  Gideon, I'm sure was terrified, and told God he was the least in this family, which was the least family in the tribe, which was the least tribe in the nation of Israel. 
 
"And the Lord answered him, saying: "Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man...'and the Lord said unto him, Peace be unto thee: fear not; for thou shalt not die.'" 
 
Then Gideon believed the Lord; and, although the battle had not yet been fought, and no victories had been won, with the eye of faith he saw peace already secure, and he built an alter unto the Lord, and called it Jehovah-shalom, meaning, "The Lord our peace."   Most times we can't find peace unto the battle is over, the storm has passed, the mountain is crossed; then we have peace.  However, peace from God is can come before all that, as it did with Gideon. 
 
I don't know what battle you have before you today, but Jesus can bring us peace now, in front of our conflict.  Listen to His promises:
 
"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
 
"These things have I spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace.  In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
 
"Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God .  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
 
Yes, these are familiar passages, but don't let them become just clichés to you, they are precious promises from our loving Lord.  And when you come to believe the Lord, as Gideon did, you may be astonished by the peace that floods your heart.  You may not build an alter, but you will return to the place where God answered prayer, and brought the peace you needed before and during the storms of your life.  Trust Him!
 

"He never has failed me yet. He never has failed me yet
I have proven Him true; what He says He will do. 
He never has failed me yet."
 
God bless you and yours today, and always know that you are loved!!!
 
Henry