Message of Peace
by Tina Yeager
– John 20:18-19
We face many locked doors this season. Despite my efforts to resist the panic pressing in from the world, I find myself hunkered inside to avoid the fray. While authorities hunt for means to exterminate a pandemic, our way of life seems to have been sealed away in a cave. Viral fears contaminate our stores and seep through the airwaves into our homes.
As writers, we struggled within a vulnerable industry before this chaos struck. Our means of building platforms through speaking engagements now lies buried under regulations. Like the disciples in post-crucifixion days, fear and uncertainty close in upon us like the dark walls of a locked room. Perhaps the apostles asked the same worrisome questions we raise in these uncertain times.
What now? Can any hope remain for our ministry?
Among millions of fear-mongering cries, someone may proclaim the truth. She might share a Mary-like testimony of a Christ-encounter in which he urged her to share his words. I could follow Mary’s example or allow the world’s terrors to lock my own ministry away. Though I cannot speak to crowds, I can share the way Mary did. I’ll speak to my online fellowships and continue the ministry of words in my writing.
Christ enters our most isolated moments. He comes to us in the darkest times and offers peace. Though the horrors of this world may lock us in dread, nothing bars the Lord from pursuing those he loves. He overcame death and hell to reach us with the gospel of peace—a triumphant new life from which he has called us to write.
As disciples called to share anointed words, we have far greater power than human security measures offer us. No earthly threat can conquer the ministries to which Christ has sent us. If we choose to open the doors and pursue this calling, our words can free the hopeless. He has granted us his peace so we could convey it to those despairing around us.
Risen Lord, thank you for sacrificing your life to bring us the gospel of peace. Please grant me courage to resist the world’s oppressive fear which threatens to barricade me from ministry. Anoint me with peace and breathe your life through my words. Amen.
Award-winning author, speaker, licensed counselor, and life coach, Tina encourages audiences to fulfill their potential. She offers writing workshops through Serious Writer Academy, hosts the Flourish-Meant podcast, and is a mentor with Word Weavers International. Beautiful Warrior, her book on women’s esteem is available through New Hope Publishers. To connect with her, visit tinayeager.com.