SCRIPTURE: Mark 14:27-31
We may try to imagine how we will respond to difficult or tempting situations.
‘I wouldn’t do that, I wouldn’t say that’, or ‘I would do the right thing, I would be brave!’
Like Peter, we can be convinced of how we think we might respond.
On the one hand, this is good: we SHOULD think about doing the right thing in tough times.
Our thoughts do shape our actions; if we imagine and desire right actions, we will more likely reach them.
But on the other hand there is the danger of over-confidence in self (and we know Peter had issues here).
Honesty requires that we admit our weakness and our need for help.
The alcoholic admits they need help, and they take the steps towards change, but they do not do it alone.
By all means, set your mind on doing and saying what is right… but depend on God, not just your resolve.
God is not surprised by our weakness (predicted in Zechariah 13:7), and Jesus does not turn His back on us when we do fall or fail (He promises to be there for them after the resurrection)… but we need to be both hopeful AND honest.
Better to respond by saying: ‘Lord, I may be tempted to deny You, and I may even do it, but I don’t want to, and I will do what I can to prevent it; help me not to fail, but if I do, remind me of Your mercy!’
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I admit I am powerless by myself. But I also believe that You are a power greater than myself, and that You can restore me to sanity. Today again I make a decision to turn my will and my life to Your care.
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
This passage reminds me of pregnant mothers who say things “my child will never watch tv, eat McDonald’s, throw a tantrum, wake up in the night etc”. And those who are already parents nod and smile — knowing what struggles are coming soon for these new moms. It is good to have good intentions … And painful when we don’t/can’t follow through. I pray Lord, that I will remember to lean on you in tough times, rather than attempting to use my own flimsy strength.
Observations/Application
I am a Peter.
I too have denied my Lord.
I too have relied upon my own power and strength.
I too have fallen by the wayside.
Like the other disciples, I like them, said the same – ‘I will never disown You.’
But,
God is a God of mercy and grace.
And
as He enfolded Peter to take care of His sheep,
He continues to work with all His followers
by His Spirit
Embracing them,
Encouraging them,
Enabling them
to stand up for Jesus.
Be my Guide each day Lord. Give me ears to hear Your voice saying anew
This is the Way.
Thank You for this new day.
Help me to live it in thanksgiving.
Prayer
Lead me and guide me this day to stand up for You in all I do and say. I need to stand upon the Rock so that I am securely rooted in You.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus! ye soldiers of the cross;
Lift high His royal banner, it must not suffer loss:
From vict’ry unto vict’ry, His army shall He lead,
Till every foe is vanquished, and Christ is Lord indeed.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus! The trumpet call obey:
Forth to the mighty conflict, in this His glorious day;
Ye that are men now serve Him against unnumbered foes;
Let courage rise with danger, and strength to strength oppose.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus! Stand in His strength alone,
The arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own;
Put on the gospel armor, and watching unto prayer,
Where calls the voice of duty, be never wanting there.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus! the strife will not be long;
This day the noise of battle, the next the victor’s song;
To him that overcometh a crown of life shall be;
He with the King of glory shall reign eternally.