This morning I read the following devotional from Mornings With Jesus 2017 that I want to share. As Christians, we may not have the answers to someone’s daily struggle, but we can certainly share where our peace that surpasses all understanding comes from. Share the love and peace with someone today – the world needs it!

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“But the Advocate, 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)

On Thursday nights I gather with a group of women at the church I attend. We eat together. We talk about life. I talk about Jesus and share the struggles of parenting. They are young women, ages thirteen to twenty-three. I am twice their age, yet they’ve become dear friends. The differences don’t stop there.

I am white. Most of them are not. I’m married, but only a few of them are. I have a house, a car, money in the bank. They have none of these things. What brings u together isn’t any outward appearance or station in life. Instead, we are brought together by our brokenness. They are teen moms, anxious and concerned about their futures. I was a teen mom, and through Jesus’s help, I overcame the fear, shame and worries. I’ve walked down the path they’re now treading on.

There is a lot I cannot offer these young women: daily help with their homework, good jobs, parents that care for them, or a boyfriend who will love them. But what I can offer is what I found–peace. Peace that comes from Jesus. Peace that says, “He will be with me through all my challenges as a mom.”

The peace we have as believers in Christ is something we can share with those just like us or those who are very different. The best way to offer this peace is to find a common brokenness with the person and then share how Jesus ministers to that brokenness with loving care. We are all broken in some way, but thankfully, together, we can discover the peace that Jesus brings.

Do you know someone struggling? Consider your past struggles and how Jesus helped you. As you share your story, make sure to highlight the peace you found in Jesus–inner peace even in the midst of the struggles.