On gray, drizzly days, I often find myself turning desperately to the Scriptures for encouragement. Do you do that? I’m pretty sure it’s not just me. Today, I found myself reflecting on Peter. What a guy. His life offered me a couple of lessons early today.
I’m reminded of this ongoing dialogue between Peter and Jesus. It went something like this:
Peter: I’m ready, Lord.
Jesus: No, Peter, you’re not (Matt 14, as he lifts Peter from the water)Peter: I’m ready, Lord.
Jesus: Nope. Not yet (Matt 16: “Get behind me, Satan…”)Peter: I’m ready, Lord.
Jesus: No, Peter, you’re not (Matthew 26, as He told Peter of his coming denial of the Lord)
Then, things changed. Jesus died but came back in victory. But he left again. Imagine how Peter must have felt. He had failed. Bad decision after bad decision seemed to leave him in a place he didn’t want to be. But Jesus had other plans.
Peter: I’m not ready, Lord.
Jesus: Yes, Peter, you are (Acts 2, the Holy Spirit falls, Peter preaches, and thousands respond).
I often think I’m ready. Lord, I’m ready to do something big. I’m ready to be what you made me to be. I’m ready to go. Like Peter, though, I’m on a journey of Jesus’ preparation — where he turns my pride to reliance, my little faith to mountain-moving faith, my self-trust to God-trust.
I’m not ready. Use me, Lord Jesus.
You?
Encouraging word Jeff!