Ep. 104: Terry A. Smith on finding peace in adversity.
How do we stop and experience the peace we were meant to possess?
In this episode of Mercycast, Terry A Smith, pastor of The Life Christian church for the last 33 years and author of "The Lord Give You Peace: A 28-day Journey to Thrive in God's Shalom," explores the profound concept of peace, mainly through the lens of 'shalom.' We discuss the importance of understanding shalom as more than just the absence of conflict but as a holistic state of well-being that encompasses flourishing in all aspects of life. Pastor Terry shares his experiences of adversity and how they shaped his understanding of peace, emphasizing the need for individuals to seek shalom for themselves and their communities. This conversation highlights the interconnectedness of personal and communal peace, urging listeners to cultivate a flourishing life and actively contribute to the shalom of their cities.
Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:
Shalom encompasses wholeness, well-being, and flourishing.
Experiencing peace is possible even in adversity.
God desires for us to thrive, not just survive.
We have a responsibility to seek shalom in our communities.
Holistic well-being includes spiritual, emotional, and physical health.
The journey to peace involves holding onto God's promises.
Flourishing is a result of God's desire for us.
We must cultivate peace in our relationships with others.
Seeking shalom is both a personal and communal mission.
"Shalom is about an abundance of positivity."
"Peace is about holistic well-being."
"We can experience peace even in adversity."
"We have to hold on to what God's Word says."
"We are supposed to be spreading shalom."
"God wants us to thrive."
"God desires to give you peace."
Listen to the full episode:
For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.