Day 32: Transcending Peace Within

Navigating the Strangers' Conflict: Insights from Brad Church's Journey of Faith – ATTUNE40

IntroductionIn a world filled with distractions and temptations, many believers find themselves wrestling with their faith. In a recent podcast, Emmanuel Manishimwe speaks with writer and podcaster Brad Church about his book, "The Strangers' Conflict," and the struggles that Christians face in their walk with God.Understanding the Strangers' ConflictBrad Church, who came to faith at the tender age of six, shares his journey of faith and the challenges that led him to write his book. He details how, despite growing up in a Christian household, he struggled with his faith during his teenage years due to a lack of grounding in scripture and real-life examples of faith around him. Brad emphasizes that the lure of worldly recognition and material wealth often pulls believers away from their spiritual path. His own questions about faith and the struggle to maintain a relationship with God prompted him to delve deeper into scripture, seeking answers that he believed could resonate with others facing similar dilemmas.The Origin of the Title: "The Strangers' Conflict" speaks to the experience of believers feeling like outsiders in this world. Brad explains that the title is inspired by scripture, particularly Hebrews 11 and Paul’s writings in Philippians, which remind us that as believers, we are citizens of heaven and thus strangers on earth. This perspective frames the conflict believers face as they navigate their spiritual journey in a society often at odds with their values.Experiencing Distant Relationships with GodChurch candidly discusses moments in his life where he felt distant from God, drawing parallels to the parable of the prodigal son. He reflects on how he once wandered far from God, only to discover that the path back is always open. This resonates with listeners who may feel lost, reminding them that God is always waiting for their return, regardless of how far they have strayed.Understanding Inner ConflictAt the core of the strangers' conflict is the duality of human nature—our physical and spiritual selves. Brad elaborates on the Genesis account of creation, explaining how each person is created with both a physical body and a spiritual essence. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, humanity lost its intimate connection with Him, resulting in an ongoing struggle between the desires of the flesh and the call of the Spirit. This inner turmoil is universal among believers, as they contend with their sin nature while striving for spiritual growth.Finding Solutions to the ConflictWhile Brad acknowledges that believers will never completely silence this inner conflict, he offers practical steps to help manage it. He encourages listeners to strengthen their spiritual lives through practices such as prayer, worship, studying scripture, and fellowship with other believers. These activities create space for the Holy Spirit to work in their lives, guiding them toward righteousness.Key TakeawaysBrad Church’s insights remind us that the journey of faith is filled with challenges, but it is also a path of growth and understanding. The struggles we face do not separate us from God; rather, they provide opportunities for deeper connection and reliance on His grace. As we navigate our own strangers' conflicts, we can find comfort in knowing that we are not alone, and that God is always ready to welcome us back.Support the show

1. Navigating the Strangers' Conflict: Insights from Brad Church's Journey of Faith 16:55
2. A Conversation on Everyday Discipleship with Debra Mcninch 22:45
3. Transforming Your Mindset from Judgment to Love: An Interview with James Early 29:11
4. God Created Me Pure 07:05
5. Seeking the Bridegroom: An Interview with Author Mark Wood 29:54

Allow me today to share an experience I had just recently when I went to fuel the car I was driving, and something really unexpected happened.

And our topic today, let us follow the topic “Transcending Peace Within.”

I remember every Sunday in the church, a priest would say, “May the peace of God which passes all understanding…” He would proclaim peace over us. Things we take passively, but they are real. I don’t take God passively, and I pray always that whenever I go to a church, I ask God to open my ears and my inner understanding because there is a lot that God speaks to us through the scriptures, through the priests that God has given us.

So, people of God, servants of God, thank you. And whenever I’m in a church, I want to listen. This time round, this is something in the marketplace, an experience. When I think about it right now as I share in this podcast, I look back and I’m full of joy because of the outcome of the kind of response, unexpected response. When we choose to take this for real, the kind of experience and response we get afterwards will bring joy and inner transcending peace.

So, at a fuel station, a gentleman does not read the sticker that says “Diesel”. He doesn’t want to look at it. He just puts in petrol. Thank God, he stops slightly before he puts in one liter, after I ask him, “What are you putting in?”

Yeah, here where I come from, in my country, sometimes we don’t read. Sometimes we can call when we are at a signpost; for example, if I’m going to Banana Hotel (doesn’t exist), I’ll be at the signpost and make a call, “Hello, where is the way to Banana Hotel?” even when there are arrows that show where I should go.

Don’t mind. We are progressing very well. It also works socially. If you can find somebody to call and they lead you to Banana Hotel and not somewhere else dangerous, then yeah, that’s an investment, social investment. So, there are advantages and disadvantages in everything. I’m not trying to justify the failure to read signposts. I’m trying to be fair in what I’m saying.

The gentleman, upon realizing he had put in the wrong fuel, he was timid. I was calm inside because I feel I’ve been transformed, and I’m undergoing transformation still in many other areas. But in this one, I thank God. I felt transcending peace, even when there was a crisis before me.

Will I fight? Will I threaten him? Will I try to get money from the petrol station? Shall I get the petrol station to fix the problem?

God always has greater solutions than humans. Maybe everything happens for a purpose. One time I said this to someone and they didn’t believe it. So, let’s leave that because it’s conceptual. Otherwise, for me, I see that in every situation, if we remain attuned to God, we learn divine purposes in everything. God never wants evil or wrong things to happen, but when they happen, what is our response?

The gentleman does not read. He gives me wrong fuel. What is my response? Now, before I continue, what would be your response? I wish this was a discussion and I hear your experiences, wherever, whichever culture, what would be your immediate response?

For me, in my situation, I told myself, “God is seeing this. So, how you react determines how God will help you out of this problem.”

The gentleman came over to apologize. But here’s something strange on me again. Let me ask you, especially the practicing Christian believers who are reading. (Remember, my podcasts are not only for Christians. Please, these podcasts are for everyone). But let me ask a question for my fellow believers. In that case, what do you do?

For me, in my case, I felt like, in the first place, I don’t have anything against you. I’m dealing with the problem right now, and you are not the problem. I see the problem. I need a solution to this. Now, you are saying, “I’m sorry, sir.” Will I now be engaged on the apology side or should we work together and find solutions?

I just told the gentleman, “I’m more concerned about the solution, not anything else.” And he quickly understood. He joined me to my side to help find technicians. And then I quickly called the experts that I know. Some, their phones were off, but there’s one reliable technician that I know. May God bless him. And I know he’s going to read this. Thank you, brother.

And then there was another technician, by God’s grace, he hadn’t gone home. It was at night. Two technicians were able to give me advice from their experience. The matter was resolved. The gentleman who had put in wrong fuel had become calm seeing I was focused on solutions and not against him. That also gave me peace. His colleague was working with me to find the solution. The management also quickly understood.

There was nothing like, “No. You need to pay for this crime.” I wanted peace for everyone.

I hope this gentleman will know that God changes people, and he can change him as well. As I share this podcast with you, everyone, wherever we are, we don’t really have to talk too much, but how we react, how we respond to a situation has very many effects.

There is peace within, as a result of how we respond to situations. It determines how we affect the other people. And in our Christian world, for us who believe in Christ, this is how we change the world. Not looking for our own interests, but making sure we stay tuned to the Holy Spirit, who loves everyone and is the giver of peace.

God bless you so much. Thank you for reading.

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