The Promise of Peace
The Promise of Peace
Speaker: Pastor Toby Cavanaugh
Date: December 7, 2025
Peace isn’t something we create—it’s a gift already given to us by Christ. In this sermon, Pastor Toby Cavanaugh unpacks the truth that peace isn’t found in perfect circumstances, but in the presence of Jesus Himself. Check out this message from our new Christmas series: Prince of Peace!
Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on this sermon:
Day 1: The Promise of Peace
Reading: Isaiah 9:6–7
Devotional: Seven hundred years before Christ's birth, God promised a Prince of Peace whose government and peace would have no end. This wasn't just a prediction—it was a covenant promise from a faithful God. The people of Israel waited centuries for this promise to be fulfilled, holding onto hope through exile, oppression, and darkness. Today, we live on the other side of that promise. The Prince of Peace has come. Yet sometimes we still wait—for peace in our circumstances, our relationships, our hearts. As you begin this Advent season, remember that God's promises are certain. The peace He promised then is available now. What promise of God are you waiting to see fulfilled? Trust that the same faithful God who kept His word about the Messiah will keep His word to you.
Day 2: Peace in the Storm
Reading: John 16:25–33
Devotional: Jesus spoke these words knowing His disciples would soon face the greatest crisis of their lives—His crucifixion. He didn't promise them easy circumstances. Instead, He guaranteed trouble: "In this world you will have trouble." Yet in the same breath, He offered something more powerful: "In me you may have peace." Notice the contrast—trouble is mandatory, but peace is optional. Peace doesn't come from controlling our circumstances; it comes from connection with Christ. When storms rage around us—financial pressure, health concerns, relational conflict—we can still experience supernatural calm. Jesus has overcome the world, which means no circumstance has the final word. Today, identify one area of trouble in your life. Instead of seeking to change the circumstance first, invite the Prince of Peace into that space and receive His gift of impossible peace.
Day 3: The Cost of Our Peace
Reading: Isaiah 53:1–6
Devotional: "The punishment that brought us peace was upon him." Christmas isn't just about a baby in a manger; it's about a man on a cross. The peace we celebrate at Christmas cost Jesus everything. He was pierced, crushed, and wounded so that we could experience wholeness and peace. Every anxious thought we surrender, every troubled heart He calms, every moment of supernatural peace we experience—it was all purchased at Calvary. We didn't earn it. We can't manufacture it. We can only receive it as a gift bought with His blood. This Advent, don't take His peace for granted. When anxiety threatens to overwhelm you, remember the price He paid. Let gratitude fill your heart as you receive what He died to give you.
Day 4: Receiving Your Inheritance
Reading: John 14:25–27
Devotional: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you." Jesus used inheritance language here—He was bequeathing something precious to His children. Your spiritual inheritance isn't anxiety, fear, or a troubled heart. Your inheritance is impossible peace. But here's the key: a gift must be received. Many Christians know about this peace intellectually but haven't experienced it practically because they haven't received it by faith. Receiving requires surrender—acknowledging Jesus not just as Savior but as Prince, as Lord, as Ruler of your life. When we try to maintain control while asking for peace, we contradict ourselves. Today, practice receiving His peace. In moments of stress, pause and pray: "Jesus, I receive the peace You died to give me. I reject anxiety as my portion and accept peace as my inheritance." Faith receives what love has provided.
Day 5: Living in Impossible Peace
Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3:16; Philippians 4:6-7
Devotional: "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way." At all times. In every way. This is the promise of impossible peace—peace that defies logic, transcends circumstances, and guards our hearts even when life makes no sense. The early missionaries, the martyrs, the faithful saints throughout history didn't experience easier circumstances than we do—they experienced greater peace in harder circumstances. That same peace is available to you today. Not because you're special, but because you know the Prince of Peace. As you move through this Christmas season with all its pressures and expectations, practice living from peace rather than striving for peace. When anxiety whispers, "What if?" let peace answer, "Even if." The Lord of peace Himself wants to give you His peace today—at all times and in every way. Will you receive it?