Reflections: Strength, peace and waiting well

Over the 10-plus years since I joined the First5 online Bible study community, I’ve been amazed at how often the lessons, prepared well in advance of their online and print publication, end up being incredibly timely and relevant to my life circumstances, world events, or both. The most recent study, “30 Scriptures Every Christian Should Know,” takes this “coincidence” to an even more encouraging level. 

Over six weeks, we are studying one verse per day and memorizing one of them each week, but the study isn’t just about learning verses; it’s about context: What was the inspired writer going through? What purpose did he hope to convey? How is this verse applicable to me? 

The day of the Charlie Kirk tragedy, we opened our apps and Bibles to read John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful” (CSV). Jesus spoke those words knowing He would soon face the cross and his disciples would face challenges and persecution as they spread the Gospel. Just a few hours into that day, we sure needed that encouragement! 

Other verses that week: 

• “Don’t be anxious about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). This was written by the Apostle Paul, who endured imprisonment and eventually was executed for his faith. 

• “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and the rivers will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, and the flame will not hurt you” (Isaiah 43:2). While those examples literally were fulfilled during Israel’s history, Isaiah wrote to exiles who had to wait years for restoration. 

• “Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For the Lord your God is the one who will go with you; He will not leave you or abandon you” (Deuteronomy 31:6). God spoke this through Moses as his people prepared to do battle for the Promised Land. 

• “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). Were Jesus’ followers going to have it easy? No. But they could find rest knowing He was with them as they obeyed his command to share the Gospel. 

Since Kirk’s death, his family and ministry partners have shared the grace and strength they receive from the Lord as they navigate this tough time. Since starting a more serious commitment to Bible study, I’ve personally encountered grief, health issues and more, and I don’t think I would have made it without God’s Word. 

If you don’t currently have a Bible study plan or community, I encourage you to find one. Attend church in person if at all possible. If you study online, interact through a community group—just a heads-up, limit notifications on phones so you don’t get derailed by social media or the day’s news before arming yourself with God’s Word! 

Studying the truth is the key to staying faithful and waiting well.