Becoming Like Jesus

This week, we’ve tackled the truth that we often feel disappointed with God during challenging seasons. His ways can be mysterious and confusing. We grapple with understanding God’s purpose in pain, as it stands in contrast to the peace we desire. Scripture gives us assurance that these moments develop character and a deeper trust in God’s plan. The path to finding peace during these difficult times lies in the confidence that God uses everything in our lives to accomplish His purposes. Today, we look to how becoming more and more like Jesus is our path to peace.

Heavenly Father, open our hearts to the truths we've explored this week. Help us embrace Your ways and find peace in Your purpose, even in pain. Guide us to become more like Jesus, trusting that You are using every moment for our good. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.

Romans 8:28-29 (NLT)
28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

I build roads for a living, which isn’t the most glamorous job. As residents of Ohio, if we aren’t commuting through salt and snow, then we’re keeping composure as the seasonal construction crews hinder our transit. Often, we’re simply focused on getting from point A to B, not considering that the route was designed and built to ensure our safety. However, even when the curve isn’t too sharp, or the guardrails are where they should be, an opposing car can still veer left of center. Understanding this proves that a road engineer cannot fully guarantee that the roadway functions safely. Are there any guardrails you’re trusting for peace that don’t prevent life from going left of center?

The sober reality is that life does go left of center. When it does, we determine whether the guardrails we trust offer true peace. In today’s verse, Paul presents the only source for true peace – Jesus.

Jesus was offered fleeting peace from temptations to fulfill His hunger in the desert, suggestions from close friends to avoid the cross, and even encouragement to seek earthly kingship. Instead of pursuing temporary peace, Jesus achieved true peace by consistently following God’s path with devotion. Take some time to reflect on the fleeting peace that’s offered to you. Instead of pursuing what’s offered, how can you focus on the true peace that Jesus offers?

It is God’s plan for us to have this same love of, and devotion to, His son. When we chose this path, verse 29 purposely describes us as firstborn sons and daughters. The significance of this label is our assurance of the Father’s inheritance. This eternal inheritance provides true peace through meaning and purpose, freedom from fear, comfort in suffering, and strength in our dependence on God. Jesus’ last promise before enduring the cross assures us, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives you” (John 14:17). As His children, we faithfully inherit the rights and privileges of this same true peace, a peace that cannot be taken away, even when we’re left of center.

As we wrap up today’s devotional, talk to God on your own using the following prompt to get you started.

God, guide me to follow Jesus' example, finding true peace in Your purpose.

May God’s sustaining peace be with you.