Here we were, in New Zealand. Finally. It had been a really long trip, and we
found it strange to be in a country that is not only on the opposite side of the
world, but also where everything else seems opposite to everything we had ever
known!
Try driving on the opposite side of the road from what you're used to, for
starters. Everything coming at us from the right startled us beyond belief! We
were constantly reminding ourselves: "Left! Drive on the left". Easier said than
done, especially when you have to make a turn! When you try to use your turn
signals, for some mysterious reason the windshield wipers come on. And the
opposite happens when you try to wipe the rain off of the windshield! Your turn
signals come on! Who designed these rental cars, anyway? Are they trying to
scare off their tourists?
For us here in the Northern hemisphere, the farther south you go, the warmer the
climate becomes. But not in New Zealand! The farther south you go there, the
cooler it gets! In fact, they were experiencing a draught in the northern part
of New Zealand's north island that summer - which was really our winter! Even
the seasons are reversed!
It was Christmastime when we visited the Kiwis (They like to be called that for
some reason!), so for the first time in our lives, we celebrated Christmas in
the summer. Hardly any Christmas lights decorated the local homes and Christmas
trees. This puzzled us at first, until we realized that it didn't get dark until
nearly 10 p.m. Somehow it just seemed wrong to look at a lightless Christmas
tree through the heat of the blazing sun!
Food and gas was also different for us. The cost was double, for one thing.
Canadians love complaining about high gas prices. I wonder how they would
survive in Oceania!
How different my reaction to this land of opposites was to what it might have
been had I gone twenty years earlier. I would have been a nut cake: "Look out!
Watch where you're going! Get on the right side of the road!" "Gas is way too
high! Let's walk!" Anxiety would have filled my day, and I would have missed the
opportunity of a lifetime!
As it was, I faced all of these opposites with a smile, and I actually enjoyed
the fact that everything was different from what I was used to. Why? Because
Jesus lives in my heart, and His peace is a constant. In fact, I even wondered
if New Zealand wouldn't be a good place to retire. Would you like to join us?
This is the lasting gift Jesus gave us when He returned to Heaven: "I'm leaving
you well and whole. That's my parting gift to you. Peace." (John 14:27
The Message)
This is also one of the important parts of the armour provided by God: "…with
your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." (Eph
6:15 NIV)
Experts say that PAX Romana (Roman peace in the Roman Empire) was partially due
to the thick-soled shoes that the Roman soldiers wore. These enabled them to
walk over any kind of terrain in a fast and enduring way. Their boots even
contained metal that permitted them to be able to keep their footing on slippery
hills and uneven surfaces. I guess there is a big difference between this kind
of footwear and sandals, or even worse, bare feet!
The good news that Jesus provided us with is automatically accompanied by inner
peace. If we let Jesus be our peace, that peace will be ours at all times! In
addition, that realization of inner peace guarantees us victory as well as fills
us with adrenaline!
"I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured,
deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience
difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world." (John 16:33 The
Message)
"The God of peace will come down on Satan with both feet, stomping him
into the dirt. Enjoy the best of Jesus!" (John 16:33 The Message)
Just like all of God's promises, peace is given to us in seed form, for the
process is more important than the outcome. It can only be fully developed if we
walk in that peace provided by Jesus.
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me
and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest." (Matt
11:28 The Message)
Just like righteousness and truth, peace is also a person, and that person is
Jesus, Christ!
The three pieces of armour that we have just covered: the belt of truth, the
breastplate of righteousness and the shoes of inner peace are the essentials,
the constants in our life. The Roman soldiers never took these pieces of armour
off, even while resting. Why should we do differently?
Driving on the left side of the road is actually quite fun. I wonder what would
happen if I tried it here in Canada?
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.