Pastoral Messages by Matriarch Elnette Edwards
My dear children,
Peace—true peace—is one of the most precious gifts God offers us. Not the absence of problems, but the presence of His calm in the midst of chaos. Not escape from storms, but supernatural tranquility while weathering them. Not dependent on circumstances but rooted in knowing the One who controls all circumstances.
Jesus promised to give us His peace—not as the world gives, but peace that transcends understanding. The world offers temporary peace through favorable circumstances, escape, or control. But Jesus offers lasting peace through His presence, regardless of what we're facing. This is the peace that Paul described peace that guards our hearts and minds even when everything around us is falling apart.
I've experienced this supernatural peace in some of my darkest moments. When I faced serious health challenges, when I lost loved ones, when ministry was under attack—there was a peace that made no logical sense given my circumstances. People would ask, "How are you so calm?" I could only point to Jesus, because it wasn't natural—it was supernatural.
Peace doesn't mean we don't feel anxiety or fear. It means we don't let those emotions control us. We acknowledge them, bring them to God, and choose to trust Him despite them. Peace is a choice we make repeatedly, sometimes moment by moment, to fix our minds on God rather than our problems.
Isaiah tells us that God keeps in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in Him. The key to peace is focus. When we fix our thoughts on our problems, we lose peace. When we fix our thoughts on God's character, promises, and faithfulness, peace floods our hearts. What we focus on determines what we feel.
I've also learned that peace requires surrender. We lose peace when we try to control things outside our control, when we carry burdens, we were never meant to carry, when we refuse to trust God's timing and wisdom. But when we surrender—truly release our need for control—peace comes. It's the fruit of trusting that God is in control and that His plans are good.
Peace is also something we must guard. Paul tells us to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts. "Rule" means to act as an umpire, making decisions. When we're facing choices and don't know what to do, we can ask: "Which option produces peace?" Not comfort or ease necessarily, but that settled sense that this is right, this aligns with God's will. Peace becomes our guide.
But peace doesn't mean passivity. We can be proactive while remaining peaceful. We can address problems without being consumed by anxiety. We can work toward solutions while trusting God with outcomes. Peace and action aren't opposites—they work together.
The world desperately needs to see believers who carry peace in chaos. When we remain calm while others panic, when we trust while others worry, when we have hope while others despair—we become powerful witnesses that God is real and present. Our peace testifies to His faithfulness.
If you're lacking peace today, come to Jesus. He's not overwhelmed by your circumstances. He's not surprised by your challenges. He's not anxious about your future. Bring Him your worries, your fears, your uncertainties. Exchange your chaos for His calm. His peace is available, sufficient, and supernatural. Receive it today.
At peace in Him,
Matriarch Elnette Edwards
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