The peace of God during conflict

To the reader:

My country of Kenya has been undergoing a tough time since the general election for parliamentarians and the presidency. Many felt cheated, a feeling that is common in many other countries in Africa. The election fiasco stirred tribalism tendencies within the Kenyan people. Violence broke out and the entire country was in chaos for more than one month. Many lost their property through looting and utter destruction just because they hailed
from a different community.

The church was not untouched by this event, as we underwent a period of self-examination in which we had to be honest with our own feelings. The conclusion was obvious: we needed to change. Otherwise our personal expectations with respect to the election would poison our own souls. We needed the peace of God. This Bible Talk was written to address this need. The central question that rings in our ears during difficult times is: Where is God when life hurts? We will look at having the peace of God during good and bad times.

Opening Question:

Have you ever been involved with conflict?

Read Philippians 4:2-3

What was going on between these two women? A disagreement.

How did this affect the church?

Was it acceptable for them to remain in that state? Why?

How is this related to the issue of joy in the subsequent verses? Stress, unhappy, anxiety, worry, anger, sickness