A year ago, for a work-related change, my wife and I moved from the East Coast to the center of the country. The trip involved stops at a relative’s house, Nashville, and Memphis until we finally arrived at the city where we now live. Normally, a three-night trip to such locations would be very enjoyable. However, since we had a tight schedule, over 1,100 miles to travel, cleaning the old apartment, furniture packing and moving arrangements, and working at a new location and company, we had little peace of mind and physical rest. The trip was not very enjoyable.
Paul’s travel from Ephesus was also lacking in peace of mind until he arrived at the troubled new congregation at Corinth (13). Paul’s first main stop was at the port city of Troas. The door to preach the gospel was opened to him there. He taught for only a very short time because he was eager to learn if the Corinthian congregation had received his first letter well, and if they were still a congregation. He had hoped he and Titus, who was coming from Corinth, would cross paths in Troas. They did not. So he left Troas and continued to Corinth.
Though we are believers in Jesus and working for the kingdom as we should, we may at times lack peace of mind. An unsettled mind is not because God does not give us peace. Rather, peace of mind is often due to our impatience. The mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. (Romans 8:6b) Jesus promised, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 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 14:26-27)
