Following the resurrection, Jesus showed up at a crowded room of disciples who still did not believe. They were fearful for their very lives, without purpose, direction, or hope. Jesus spoke just four simple words.
“Peace be with you” (John 20:19).
I’m sure there are several other sets of four-word statements the disciples would have liked to have heard:
- “Life will be easy.”
- “You will never fail.”
- “Your future is bright.”
- “The worst is over.”
Nope. Jesus promised peace, not an easy life. In fact, Scripture would later promise persecution to every serious believer. So fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a bumpy – but sober ride.
Recovery Step: The depth of our belief is revealed by the degree of our surrender. So surrender to the God who promises peace more than prosperity, serenity more than success, and righteousness more than riches.
Author: Mark Denison
Mark and Beth Denison, married for 36 years, launched There’s Still Hope as a national movement to call men and women into lives of sexual integrity. Their ministry offers 90-day recovery plans for addicts and one-on-one and group coaching for addicts and their spouses. TSH also produces resources for pastors and churches to confront the porn epidemic that is destroying so many lives.
Dr. Denison was a senior pastor for over 30 years, NBA chaplain, and board chairman at Houston Baptist University three times. With a Master’s Degree in Addiction Recovery, Mark is a certified PSAP and active member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Mark has written four books on recovery: Porn in the Pew, 365 Days to Sexual Integrity, A 90-Day Recovery Guide, and 40 Days to Porn-Free Living. His latest book, Jesus on the 12 Steps, will be released later this year.
