Thoughtful Thursday & Standing in His Peace
ON THE BLOG
STANDING IN HIS PEACE
Recently, I was studying the New Testament story found in John 8 about the woman taken in adultery.
We all are familiar with this story.
This woman was being used by the Pharisees and the scribes to trap Jesus.
They wanted to know if He believed that this woman should be stoned according to the law of Moses.
Jesus stooped down and began to write on the ground without answering them.
So they continued to question Him.
Jesus then stood up and said the famous words, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.”
Then he stooped down again and continued writing in the dirt.
As you know, before long, they that heard this, knew they had sinned.
One by one, they left.
Then there was Jesus alone with this woman.
He asks her, “Where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee?” (vs. 10)
She answers Him and says, “No man, Lord.” (vs. 11)
Jesus then says, “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.”
He wasn’t going to condemn her.
He was offering her His peace.
I love this story so much.
I have always pictured this woman on the ground.
I even think that there is artwork depicting her on the ground.
I have often heard people talk about how Jesus met her where she was–in this low point in her life.
I truly believe that Jesus did this then and that He does so now.
He meets us where we are, as we are, and offers us His peace.
He descended below all things that He would know how to succor us in our struggles and trials. (Alma 7:12)
However, I noticed something that I hadn't seen before.
In John 8:9, the verse says, “....and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.”
The woman wasn’t on the ground.
She was standing.
I like to think the it was because she was standing in the truth of the Savior.
She was standing in trust and confidence of the One “who is mighty to save.”
She was standing in His peace. (Alma 7:14)
I invite you to stand in the truth that you are a divine child of Heavenly Parents whose love is never ending.
I invite you to stand in the truth that you came to earth with your value and worth already in place and there is nothing that can take them away.
I invite you to stand in the truth that God’s plan is about progression not perfection.
I invite you to stand in the truth that you are here to become the best YOU.
I invite you to stand in the truth that the opposition you face in life doesn’t mean you are doing anything wrong.
This contrast is what can add richness and joy to your life if you will let it.
I invite you to spend some time pondering the words I have shared with you and pay attention to how you feel as you do so.
What can you learn from how you are feeling?
What is the Spirit teaching you, bringing to your remembrance, guiding you towards, testifying to you, or encouraging you to change?
I hope you can take one of these truths and let it settle in your heart so you can feel and stand in His peace.
