Paul, an apostle—writes to the church of Galatia:

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen.” (Galatians 1:3-5)

Paul makes his intentions clear right from the start. “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Grace is a key theme throughout this epistle, but let’s first focus on peace. The world today is desperate for peace. If only people understood the riches of peace that are available in Christ.

The Struggle for Peace

Studies show that by the age of 40, about 50% of Canadians have experienced a mental illness (CAMH). That is a staggering statistic. Even many Christians struggle with peace, often due to the prevalent teaching that God doesn’t care about our life on earth.

Are You Looking Elsewhere?

Some believe that the only thing God cares about is where we go after we die and that He sovereignly ordains difficulties, sickness, and problems to make us better people. These are saved people, yet they don’t truly believe in the power and authority of the gospel. They often dismiss the concept of victorious Christian living as “prosperity gospel.” However, when problems hit—sickness, financial crises, or a pandemic—they feel like helpless victims.

Faith, by definition, requires assurance of things hoped for (Hebrews 11:1). Without assurance, there is no faith. Without faith, how can one pray in faith? This lack of faith became evident during the pandemic. Many believers, having placed their trust primarily in the medical system rather than Jehovah Rapha, found themselves in despair when the system faltered.

Consequently, doubts crept in—”What if God wants me to die? What if God wants my child to die to teach me a lesson?” These thoughts do not come from God but from the enemy, whose goal is to sow confusion and anger against God. I guarantee that anyone who believes that God sovereignly brings death to them or their loved ones cannot love God with all their heart. They might worship Him with reverence and fear, but true love requires trust in His goodness.

I know a family that faced this tragedy. His parents, missionaries, died unexpectedly. He was taught that God had planned it for the greater good, but decades later, he still struggles with anger toward God. Why? Because he believes God took his parents. This is a deception from the devil designed to turn people against God.

Peace That Surpasses Understanding

Philippians 4:7 speaks of “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.” However, this peace is accessed through knowing that God is good all the time. If one’s love for God is affected by misunderstanding His nature, how can they fully experience His peace?

Show Me Your Behaviour During Election Season

Another area where misplaced faith is evident is in political allegiance. Many claim that God is their leader and that government leadership does not affect their faith. Yet, during election seasons, there is an outpouring of anger, fear, and resentment among Christians. Suddenly, voting for the “wrong” party is equated with sin.

“Show me your behaviour during election season, and I will tell you who your God is.”

If one’s peace is disrupted by election results, it reveals an over-reliance on government rather than trust in God. Yes, we should pray for godly leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2), but how much of the Bible is about government compared to how much of our lives are dedicated to political concerns? If one’s well-being depends on government actions, then their trust is in the government, not in Christ.

The Gospel is the Answer

Many have abandoned true dependence on God in favor of man-made systems. However, Paul gives us the ultimate answer:

“Jesus gave Himself for our sins, that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.” (Galatians 1:4)

This verse shows that Christ’s death and resurrection were not only for our eternal destiny but also for our present rescue. How? By allowing us to live victoriously in every aspect of life.

Jesus rescued us by including us in His death and resurrection. We no longer have a sinful nature (Romans 6:6). Scripture confirms this:

• “For our sins” (Galatians 1:4; Matthew 1:21; 26:28; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 2:24).
• “That He might deliver us from this present evil world” (Galatians 1:4; Titus 2:14).

Victory in Every Area

This deliverance extends to physical health—”by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). It extends to spiritual warfare—”we have authority over demons and the enemy’s attacks” (Luke 10:19). It extends to peace—both the supernatural peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7) and the peace that comes from understanding that God is always good.

God has not only given us authority (rank) but also power (spiritual weaponry) to stand against the enemy’s schemes not only for us, but also for our community. This is the reality by which every powerful man and woman of God has lived.

Conclusion

If you struggle with peace, know that the gospel is the answer. It is not just about going to heaven—it is about living victoriously in this present evil age. Do not settle for less than what Christ has provided. Stand firm in the knowledge that God is good, and His plans for you are for your well-being (Jeremiah 29:11). Trust in Him, and you will find true peace that nothing in this world can shake.