Alliance Fastpitch Network - Part 3: Peace

The third installment focused on Peace — the perfect peace that comes through knowing and trusting Jesus Christ. This devotional was led by Damon Thompson, Executive Director of Jesus in the Circle.

Guest speaker Karli Godwin, junior infielder at Oklahoma State University, shared her faith journey and how her relationship with Christ deepened throughout her college career through the encouragement and discipleship of a teammate. Participants were also gifted a complimentary Jesus in the Circle shirt featuring the theme “Perfect Peace” inspired by John 14:27: “Know Jesus, Know Peace / No Jesus, No Peace.” The session encouraged attendees to experience the lasting peace that only Christ can provide amid the pressures of athletics and everyday life.

Softball Devotional Fruit of the Spirit: Peace Read more about this event →

"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…" Galatians 5:22 NLT

Biblical Peace is unity and harmony with God — Jesus' presence with us.

Unity Calm Tranquil Settled

Jesus Is Our Peace

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27 NKJV

The presence of Jesus is our peace. Jesus, Himself, is peace. In John 14:27 Jesus says "I give my peace to you" — this is perfect peace. Through the power of the Holy Spirit we have perfect peace, perfect unity, harmony with Jesus.

What Could Steal Peace?

Anxiety Worry Failure Comparison Pressure

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6–7 NKJV

We are encouraged to not allow anxiety to have dominion over us — this includes worry, comparison, and pressure. We are encouraged to give our anxieties to God through prayer. Then the peace of God, the presence of Jesus, the unity with Jesus will show up. We have peace with God and it will blow our minds and guard our hearts!

What Does Peace Look Like?

"On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, 'Let us cross over to the other side.' Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, 'Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?' Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, 'Peace, be still!' And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, 'Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?'" Mark 4:35–41 NKJV

Jesus is taking a nap in the storm — He is at peace, He is calm, He is settled. The disciples are worrying, anxious, experiencing pressure. At the end of the story Jesus asks them: "Why are you so fearful? How is it you have no faith?"

Jesus wasn't afraid, anxious, or faithless. Why? Because He had perfect peace. Because He is peace. Peace looks like Jesus!

How Do We Apply Peace in Softball?

• Know Jesus, know peace — No Jesus, no peace
• Pray for continued peace in all situations
• Understand your identity isn't wrapped up in the game — it is wrapped in the loving arms of Jesus
• Trust in Jesus, have faith in Jesus and not the outcomes