peace came on Calvary

Week 5 of the Living Beyond Yourself study is on the third attribute of the fruit of the Spirit: Peace. Day 2’s lesson ended with a powerful story which I will summarize for you.

Beth Moore was watching a talk show and the guests were the parents of a college-aged son who was killed in a car accident. The driver was their son’s best friend who was driving drunk and speeding. In forgiveness, the parents took in their son’s friend and made him like their own son, living in their son’s bedroom, working with the father in his business. The victim’s father and the young man taught seminars on safety. The young man could speak about the one he had slain in ways only someone who knew him intimately could have. Beth continues:

Why did these parents do such a thing? Because it gave them peace. The interviewer was amazed; I was amazed. I kept trying to put myself in the parents’ position–but I could not. Then, as the tears streamed down my cheeks, I heard the Spirit of God whisper to my heart and say: “No wonder you cannot relate. You have put yourself in the wrong position. You, my child, are the driver.”

God was the parent–who not only forgave–but also invited me to sit at His table in the space my Savior left for me. As a result, I have peace.

Wow! Those words, “You, my child, are the driver,” hit me like a ton of bricks. That’s it! I’m the driver who has made too many mistakes and caused too much heartache, the one who has no right to expect forgiveness but who got it anyway. And as a result, I have peace. I have access to the Father because of the sacrifice of His Son. Awesome!

In the grip of His grace,

Robin

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