May you receive Peace
By Steve Gaito
McDowell County
To say that 2020 has been an interesting year is an understatement. We have seen a pandemic, toilet paper shortages, required masks in public, stock market volatility, and an election like we have never seen before. As a financial planner, I never imagined that I would have to contend with so many variables in one year. I hope that I don’t have to go through this ever again in my lifetime, but one thing I know is that history repeats itself. So, in this month’s column, I want to focus on something different. Peace. I am not talking about financial peace or even peace between political parties or countries although all of these would be nice. I want to share the Peace that only comes from knowing my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His Peace passes all of the other peace that the world offers. Because He has paid the price for me and you once and for all.
Several years ago, I had the opportunity to travel to Africa on a mission trip to provide a camp for missionary kids. It was a great experience. We played with the kids and had a great time. Near the end, one of the missionaries asked me a question. “Are you going to come all the way to Africa and not see anything?” Without understanding his question I responded with- well we are going on a safari on Saturday and flying out on Monday. He responded with I mean seeing the people of Africa and their faith. Curious, I said how can we do this, to which he said I would like to invite you to worship with a tribe in the bush. Not knowing what I was agreeing to I said sure and arranged transportation for our group to go. It was a long van ride for our group on “roads” that were anything but smooth. Finally, we turned at a tree and headed into the unknown. This is where our guide explained the circumstances of the people we would worship with. The drought in the area was severe and they had little to eat. In fact, they were delivered rice twice a month and that was the main part of their diet. He also said that he did not know if they would feed us, but if they did we should graciously accept. I must admit I had no idea what to expect. When we pulled up to the compound I saw a fire and an elderly lady cutting up a goat. I realized we would be eating the goat. At the service, there was joyful singing and dancing for over an hour and then it was time to share my message. With a translator, who to this day I have no idea what he said, I shared the love of Christ which brings us all together. The time flew by and we then ended with a meal of goat, rice, and bread. I remember asking the pastor how everyone could be so happy with so little and he quickly corrected me and told me that they had everything because Jesus is everything. Humbled I realized at that point that this tribe in the middle of Africa had what we so desperately need in our country and that is Peace. You see Peace does not come from a large house, a stock portfolio, or even political results. Peace comes from knowing that you are adopted by a King and he has already given you all that you need.
So, this Christmas time my wish for you is that you receive this Peace and enjoy what God has given you. The Peace that passes all understanding and that you will pass this along to all of your family and friends.
Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year
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Steve is owner of Faith Based Health Care and Retirement Resource Management. He is a National Speaker on the topic of Social Security optimization, quoted in national publications like Money Magazine, US News and World Reports and Fox Business. Steve loves to educate and teach on financial topics like taxation of retirement accounts, long term care, healthcare, and efficient savings plans for small businesses. He has provided financial planning for missionaries through the International Mission Board. You can find Steve at 68 South Main St. in Marion, NC by calling 828-559-0299, email steve@faithbasedhc.com or visit his website at www.faithbasedhc.com.
Read more good Christian news from Steve Gaito HERE.
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