Escape or Peace?

<p>&ldquo;ESCAPE&rdquo; the hot-tub store billboard blared. It got my attention&mdash;and got me thinking. My wife and I talk about getting a hot tub . . .&nbsp; someday. It'd be like a vacation in our back yard! Except for the cleaning. And the electric bill. And . . . suddenly, the hoped-for escape starts to sound like something I might need escape <em>from</em>.</p> <p>Still, that word entices so effectively because it promises something we want: relief. Comfort. Security. <em>Escape.</em> It&rsquo;s something our culture tempts and teases us with in myriad ways. Now, there's nothing wrong with resting, or a getaway to someplace beautiful. That said, there&rsquo;s a difference between <em>escaping</em> life&rsquo;s hardships and <em>trusting God</em> with them. &nbsp;</p> <p>In John 16, Jesus tells his disciples the next chapter of their lives will test their faith. &ldquo;In this world you will have trouble,&rdquo; He summarizes at the end. But then He adds this promise, &ldquo;But take heart! I have overcome the world&rdquo; (v. 33). Jesus didn&rsquo;t want His disciples to cave in to despair. Instead, He invited them to trust Him, to know the rest that He provides: &ldquo;I have told you these things,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;so that in me you may have peace.&rdquo;</p> <p>Jesus doesn&rsquo;t promise us a pain-free life. But He <em>does</em> promise that as we trust and rest in Him, we can experience a peace that&rsquo;s deeper and more satisfying than any escape the world tries to sell us.</p>