PC Me

I lost a hundred dollars in Vegas. And not in a fun way, like playing Blackjack or drinking copious amounts of Starbucks (although I did that, too), it just fell out of my pocket one night on the strip. I know what you’re thinking: “Bummer!” “That sucks!” Or perhaps something a bit more colorful…but here’s the thing. I really wasn’t that upset. Sure, I was surprised and embarrassed that I stood in a cash only line at Raising Cane’s and reached into an empty pocket, but I was surprisingly not devastated. And I use that word because I surprised even myself! It was almost like an out-of-body-experience where the more logical side of me was questioning this calm acceptance of the situation. I mean, it’s not like I have $100 to throw away, I’m a teacher for Pete’s sake!

So this begs the question, why was I so calm, cool and collected? I have had plenty of anxiety-ridden responses to unexpected and unfortunate situations like this, so what was the difference? Simply stated, and hear me out… It. Was. Jesus. I’m serious, my human response to this would have been big and ugly and probably ruined my whole night, if not the entire trip. But that, I have come to realize, was the Pre-Christ (hereafter dubbed PC) Me. As soon as I got over the initial shock and embarrassment, the first thought that popped into my head was the person who found that money–I just had this feeling that someone was blessed by it. That idea certainly did not come from MY brain! It’s hard to explain, but it was like it was placed in my spirit somehow, covering me with this unexplainable peace and acceptance. And while I was still bummed out and making a mental note to bring a backpack next time I go to Vegas, the peace was more powerful than the disappointment. Nothing like the shame and regret that would have undoubtedly plagued the PC Me. Now why would I want to go back to that?

I have had many other encounters like this since I accepted Christ–peaceful responses to situations that should have triggered anxiety. Do I still get upset about things and have big reactions? Yes. Are they fewer and shorter lived? For sure. And I truly wish I could explain how this works and capture it every minute of my life. But I do know that spending time praying and reading Scripture is a huge part of it. The more I remind myself of God’s Truth–His love for me and promise that He works ALL things for good–the more likely I am to remember that when things don’t go my way. And this could be anything from losing money to losing a loved one. God is there to comfort us in all the hurts and His peace is available to each one of us if we accept it. I pray that for you today, whatever you are going through, that God will cover you with His unexplainable peace and you will open your heart to let Him in. I’d be willing to bet $100 that it will change your life!

Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything

we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds

as you live in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:7 (NLT)