“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

 ~ Matthew 5:9 ~

Over the past few weeks, we’ve explored how planes and trains remind us to rise above and stay on track, and now, with automobiles, we see that peace isn’t meant to stay parked—it’s meant to move and spread wherever we go. During a trip to Florida, Sherrie and I experienced just how true this is. We reserved a car through a lesser-known rental company that promises convenience and low rates but often hides headaches in fine print. From the moment we arrived, it was a nightmare.

We had planned to rent an SUV to make travel easier for Sherrie, who, as many know, is battling Stage 4 brain cancer and finds it hard to move around. But when we got there, the staff—who were rude, dismissive, and condescending—told us only a sports car was available. Even though we could see several SUVs on the lot, they refused to honor our reservation. They added extra insurance charges, insisting our coverage didn’t count because we didn’t have printed cards. We had been up since early morning, and exhaustion was setting in. Still, there was no empathy, no compassion, no understanding—only frustration and indifference.

It took over an hour to get the car, and when we finally drove away, peace felt far behind us. But that’s when God reminded me—peace isn’t just something you wait for; it’s something you choose to carry with you.

While we can’t always control how others behave, we can decide how we respond. That’s what it means to truly spread peace. It’s not about making others deserving of it—it’s about representing Christ even in chaos.

Here are some heartfelt ways to share peace wherever you go. First, speak peace when you’re wronged. It’s easy to respond with rudeness, but Jesus asks us to mirror heaven instead. A gentle tone and calm words can transform the atmosphere. Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath.” When frustration rises, let peace guide your words—it’s often the loudest voice in the room and what makes the right difference.

Next, choose peace even when it costs you. Romans 12:18 encourages us, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Sometimes, spreading peace means letting go of being right to do what’s right—showing righteousness that refuses to let bitterness take root. When you choose peace amid injustice, you prove that Christ is greater than any challenging circumstance.

Finally, take every opportunity to share peace wherever you go. Whether you’re in airports, train stations, or rental car counters, each place is a chance to leave a footprint of peace. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” That means actively creating space for peace, not just talking about it. When you bring calm into chaos, you bring Christ into that moment.

Remember, walking the road of peace requires intentional effort and persistence to turn chaos into calm. When Sherrie and I returned the car at the end of our trip, we faced that same frustration all over again. This time, I chose to thank the worker for his time, and he looked at me, surprised—as if no one had ever done that before. Maybe peace took a small step forward that day.

Because peace spreads one moment, one word, one act at a time, there is always hope. Wherever you travel—by plane, train, automobile, or even navigating the hallways of your workplace—don’t just carry peace—create it!

Over these past weeks, we've seen how planes remind us to rise above challenges, trains teach us to stay on track, and now, automobiles remind us that peace must move on the ground where real life happens. So let’s get in gear and spread the peace of Christ everywhere. Remember: every mile you travel in the Shoes of Peace brings you closer to God’s heart. Let your patience reveal your purpose, and let your peace always point to Jesus even in planes, trains, and automobiles. 

Therefore, stay strong, shine bright, and suit up!

Pastor Drake

Reflection

• Where are you being called to “make” peace, not just “hope” for it?
• How can your calm response show Christ to someone who doesn’t yet know Him?
• What kind of footprints are you leaving on the road of life?