by Jennifer Ellis, Academy Manager
In the second week of Advent, we light candles and turn our hearts and thoughts toward peace. The peace our hearts long for during Advent is the deep, abiding peace only Christ can bring into a world so often filled with fear and chaos. For those serving in pregnancy help, this peace is particularly significant. You encounter women and families daily who are in the midst of unexpected news, overwhelming voices, and seemingly impossible circumstances. Many feel afraid and alone in this world. In many ways, there is a parallel between what they are experiencing and what Jesus was born into, a world in need of the peace only He can provide.
Peace When Things Are Uncertain
The peace we talk about during Advent is not the absence of chaos. It is Christ and His presence in the midst of it. When that client walks through your door with her emotions—whether it’s anger, sadness, hurt, confusion, or more—your very presence with her can begin to bring calm in the midst of her storm. You provide a supportive environment where she can say what she needs to say…and be heard.
"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in You."
- Isaiah 26:3 NIV
These words have so much power when you apply them to sitting with a client who may feel as though her world is coming to an end. The perfect peace that comes from Christ alone does not mean you have every answer and resource she needs at that specific moment. Rather, it comes from trusting that Christ will provide what she needs and bring peace in the midst of the chaos, with you as His vessel. We have the opportunity to model the peace she so desperately needs as we trust in Him for His perfect peace and provision.
Becoming a Path to Peace
During the Advent season, we remember how peace entered the world through a humble young woman who faced a pregnancy she did not plan. Can you imagine how Mary must have felt, or the confusion and fear she must have experienced as a result of the angel’s message to her? Yet her response was the simple statement, full of faith and trust in the Lord, “...let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38 ESV)
You have the opportunity to bring the type of peace Mary exhibited into the lives of the women and families you meet with every day. You help them see the possibilities in their lives when they can’t see the big picture. You walk with them in prayer and with compassion, bringing a steady presence they otherwise may not have. You show them the way to peace through faith in the Lord.
Every counseling session, class, material assistance visit, or phone call is an opportunity to bring peace into her life. The calm in your voice, your patience as you listen, helping her know she is not alone, creates that path to peace she so desperately needs.
The Multiplication of Peace
This week, it’s important to focus on not only offering peace but receiving it. Peace cannot multiply, spilling into the lives of those we serve, if we are not able to receive it ourselves. The work you do each day can take a toll on you emotionally and even physically.
Let’s take some time to be refilled, resting in the presence of the Lord. Focus on this promise from the Lord as we meet with Him to be filled with His presence and peace.
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
- John 14:27 (NIV)
Emmanuel, God with us. He is with us on the days that are hard. He is with us in every moment, from praying before the clients walk through the door, to the time spent with each precious soul, and the moments afterward when we pray for her, the baby she is carrying, and what she is facing. When we are filled with the peace of Christ and pour that into the lives of our clients, then they can share that peace with their families and friends, multiplying the peace of Christ that leads to transformed lives.
As you light the candle of peace this Advent, picture the women and families you served this year. Pray for His peace that surpasses all understanding to envelope them in the midst of their circumstances.
Christ came into this chaotic world, bringing the promise of peace that will last through all eternity. You have the amazing privilege to bring that same message of peace to each soul you serve! May the peace of Christ rule in your hearts and minds as you continue to carry out this great calling.