The Power of Peace
President Nelson once recalled the following experience. “I was in a small airplane, and all of a sudden, the engine on the wing caught fire.
It exploded, and burning oil was poured all over the right side of the airplane, and we started a dive towards the earth.
We were spinning down to our death. Oh, this woman across the aisle, I just was so sorry for her. She was just absolutely uncontrollably hysterical.”
Despite the terrifying nosedive, President Nelson was at peace. He recalled, “I was falling to my death. I was surprised that I was not afraid to die.” “I was totally calm.”
In the end, the plane did not crash, and President Nelson did not die. The spiral dive extinguished the flame, the pilot got control and started the other engine up and they were able to make an emergency landing in a field.
President Nelson concluded, “I thought, through that experience, if you’ve got faith, you can handle difficulties knowing that with an eternal perspective, all will be well.”
As I ponder President Nelson’s experience, I am impressed with the “Power of Peace.” The power that comes from peace through faith in Jesus Christ. It is only through faith in our Savior Jesus Christ that we can have this type of peace, which brings such great power, this “Power of Peace.”
After Jesus taught his disciples about His death and resurrection and after announcing to them that He was the Son of God, Jesus said to them, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace” (John 16:33). I particularly note the words “in me” ye might have peace. It is in Jesus that we have peace.
Jesus has taught this again specifically for us in modern times. In a revelation to Joseph Smith in 1829, Christ declared, “I am Christ the Lord…, the Redeemer of the world.” “Learn of me and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me.” (D&C 19:1, 23 emphasis added).
Peace is one of the many gifts Jesus has given us. He has promised this gift of peace. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27).
There is a power in the peace our Savior gives. It is His power. It is the power to overcome fear and sustain us through difficult experiences or troubled times. Each of us can have this Power of Peace through our Savior Jesus Christ. We have been given this promise.
During this concerning time that we are currently experiencing, regardless of what the various possible outcomes could be, may we each have the peace that President Nelson experienced and that Jesus has promised.
In the words of Alma, “And now, may the peace of God rest upon you, and upon your houses and lands…, according to your faith and good works, from this time forth and forever.” (Alma 7:27)
Akron Ohio Stake News 