Advent Reflections: Peace
This Advent season, we are giving you the opportunity to learn with New Ventures leaders on the enduring themes of hope, joy, love, and peace. How is Jesus at work in different communities across Canada, sparking new dreams and a deeper embrace of God’s slowly incoming kingdom?
This week’s reflection is from Jenny Boehm, a New Venture Apprentice in Guelph, ON.
This has been a tough season and so when I was asked to write about peace I had to laugh.
In the midst of so much transition, it would be easy to lose peace. I’ll admit, I’ve had those moments, in my human strength with my human wisdom. But by the grace of God, I sit in peace.
A little background on myself and the space of ministry God has brought me to. I started as a volunteer at The Manor Church, a church within a strip club in Guelph, Ontario that has been in partnership with New Ventures since its inception. A year and a half ago, I was approached by the leaders to take over the ministry. Upon this transition the pandemic hit and the doors of the club were closed. Church was shut down and outreaches stopped. Long story short, God had other plans, and we have been in a long season of discernment.
Fears of failure, what ifs, where to go, what to do and so on have plagued me. I have spent a long time searching and grasping for peace, and I can offer this reflection of hope for anyone approaching a new season of ministry.
In Philippians 4:6-7, the Apostle Paul writes, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and your minds in Christ Jesus.” We have the peace that passes understanding! I know many of us are in places of life and ministry where we just don’t have a full understanding. Maybe you have been plagued with the same fears that I have? Yet, peace is available for you.
In 1 Peter 5:7, we read, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for us.” Casting is an action. We give our fears and doubts to the Lord and He replaces them with His peace! It’s not the solution that provides immediate answers or direction. But God’s peace allows us to be on our journey and not be completely stressed out, overwhelmed, or alone. His peace gives us the grace to open our hearts to allow God to be the guide. It’s a place where you don’t have to have it all together, in fact, you can be a total mess, because it’s not about you it’s about Him!
There is so much more I want to say in encouragement to you, but instead I’ll end in a simple prayer: Father, let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily peace. May we walk today in Your peace, knowing that You are enough and therefore so are we.
Encouraged by this reflection? Learn more about leaders who are dreaming of new things across Canada and find a New Venture to support this Christmas season.