Welcome to The Turnaround!
Introduction
Fight, flight, freeze—or even appease. These are the natural human responses to hardship and conflict. But Scripture offers us something different: a peace that doesn’t just appease or avoid conflict but seeks true restoration—shalom—even in the hardest moments.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be peacemakers, not because of our own strength, but because we have the Peacemaker within us. The fruit of the Spirit enables us to respond in a supernatural way, reflecting His presence in our lives.
Insight
The Israelites were enduring their darkest moments—exiled, persecuted, and held captive—when the prophet Jeremiah delivered these words: “Seek the peace (shalom) of the community where you have been sent.”
I once heard a preacher use a simple illustration: What do you expect to come out when you squeeze an orange? Orange juice, of course. The same question applies to us as God’s beloved. When we are under pressure—when we are “squeezed” by life—what comes out? Is it the fruit of the Spirit, or is it a natural, flesh-driven response? The world may not judge us for reacting naturally, but they will take notice when we respond supernaturally, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
In John 20:21, Jesus appears to His disciples after they had just endured unimaginable trauma, heartbreak, and loss. He stands before them and declares, “Peace (shalom/eirene) be with you.” Then He commissions them, saying, “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” Even in their brokenness, Jesus calls them to continue His work of restoration.
Peacemaking is difficult, but God equips us for the task. The Greek word kartartismos—translated as “equipping”—carries the idea of preparing for battle or mending nets. God strengthens and restores us so that we can, in turn, bring His peace to the world. As His people, we are called to be agents of His Kingdom, bringing heaven’s peace to earth.
In a world full of conflict and turmoil, both in the world and internally, we need to be teaching Shalom to our children.
Turnaround Questions
What challenges do you face in being a peacemaker?
Are there past wounds in your life where you still need Jesus to bring complete peace?
Have you experienced healing and shalom, or do you still carry brokenness?
What area of brokenness in your community is God placing on your heart to pray over and work toward restoring?
How can you help share this perfect peace with this generation while being under attack by the world’s influence?
Prayer
Jesus, help me to experience the peace that surpasses all understanding in every area of my life. Though I have confessed You as Lord, let me fully surrender every part of my heart to Your rule. May I rest in Your peace. May I walk in Your peace. May I face conflict with the strength to seek restoration—even with those who have wronged me.
Give me wisdom to live as a true peacemaker in my family, my community, my state, and my nation. Lord, we pray for Your shalom to flood our world, knowing that true peace can only come through You—the One who embodies it perfectly. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
