"Or Left Untouched" -2

"Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us." (Psalms 44:13) Sometimes protection requires being placed in an environment that makes us appear unprotected; as with John the Baptist, who had to wonder why God would allow him to be held captive; and since Jesus came to set the captive free, why was he still held captive. Really, is there anything closer to the illustration given by John's doubt, as to how we doubt God's protection upon our lives? How often do we wonder if God's protection upon our lives is reflected by circumstance? The peace that Jesus promised that we would be given is not measured by circumstance, it is based upon a peace that we have with God; it is a peace that comes from knowing that our sins are forgiven, and no matter what might happen to me in this world, I have peace with God, and I am ready to meet my Maker. Who cares what others might think, except that they see the hope that is within me? After all, hope is not based upon where we are at, but is based upon where we are going and what we shall be. As much as we would like to live blessed, and to live a life that shows others how God pours out blessings, the true blessings of God are not measured by what is seen; every miracle that Jesus spoke of to John, but one, was a temporary miracle; the only miracle that went beyond a physical healing was, "the poor have the gospel preached to them"; the poor being those that are in need of salvation, those that are in need of being set free from their sins, and the bondage of sin; of which, the price is far greater than anyone can pay, but Jesus, "The Lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world!" (John 1:29). That is where our riches come from, not from this world, but from the peace that we have with God; such a peace, that all the money in the world cannot supply, nor all the comports of this world provide. This is the thing those that do not know Christ don't understand, because it is a peace that cannot be understood, it must be felt, because it comes to life... "And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace, in His kindness toward us, through Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:1-7)