by Ivan Fraser

Created on: January 18, 2009   Last Updated: January 26, 2009

Finding Spiritual Peace in a Tough Economy

To find spiritual peace any time, not just in tough economic times, one must go to the source of inner peace, the Creator. Jesus is the supreme example of maintaining spiritual peace under all circumstances. His life on earth was balanced through meditation, prayer, and the study of God's word. He had such a strong connection to the Father, that nothing could drive Him from fulfilling His mission of saving the human race. On the night of his betrayal, by one of his own followers, He pleaded with the father to let that cup pass, but added, "Not my will, but Thine be done." After His season of agonizing prayer, Jesus knew there was no other way. He had accepted the conditions and met His adversaries in a calm peaceful manner, knowing the cruelest death by crucifixion was his plot.

If Jesus had used His divinity to overcome temptation rather than depending of the Father, His mission would have been a failure. We must depend of God as did Jesus. Satan claimed nobody could overcome his temptations, and that every sinner was his subject to and under his control. Therefore he could do as he pleased with them, but thanks to Jesus, we have the assurance of victory through Him if we surrender our lives daily to God. That doesn't guarantee we'll be free from trials. As a matter of fact, it may be just be the opposite.

Take Job for instance. Satan claimed Job was faithful to God only because of the blessings He had bestowed upon him. After much deliberation, God permitted Satan to do whatever he wished, but must spare Job's life. One calamity after anther befell Job, but he never turned from his source of strength and peace. In spite of all he lost, even when his wife encouraged him to curse God and die, Job did not sever his relationship with God. He would serve Him no matter what, even in the face of death. His comforters believed he had committed some great sin, and insisted that he confess. Although he didn't understand why he was subject to these disasters, Job knew he hadn't willfully committed sinful acts like his friends claimed. Job still trusted God.

If we could see behind the scenes in the Great Controversy between God and Satan, we would understand we are no different than Job. Will we be as connected to God as Job was when the going gets tough? We need not be surprised that God allows Satan to tempt us. Trials are like a refining fire, they will purify us from sin and bring a closer relationship with God, or will drive

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