March 31

​Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1)
 
During the War of 1812 the United States was again at war with Great Britain. On January 8, 1815, United States troops defeated the British in the Battle of New Orleans. Interestingly however, the battle was fought after the war was over. Officials from both nations signed the Treaty of Ghent on December 24, 1814, but word did not get to the soldiers in time. The treaty put an end to the war but did not stop the battle from occurring.
 
Paul tells us in his letter to the Romans that we have peace with God. By faith we trust in Jesus’ death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sin and eternal life. Faith brings us to the peace God offers. The victory is won, yet the enemy continues to do battle. The enemy still wages battle hoping to destroy our faith. His arsenal includes the likes of temptation, doubt, fear, guilt, and uncertainty. We can rest in the peace we have through Christ and walk in his victory, even as the battles rage around us. We live in the “Peace of God which surpasses all understanding.” (Philippians 4:7)
 
Gospel verse for today:
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John 14: 27)