Love Wednesday: Strength Beyond Self.

Peter had spent time with Jesus and began to think he was infallible, believing he was part of the inner circle—even among the twelve disciples. Jesus had declared him the rock upon which the Church would be built. He had performed one or two miracles when Jesus sent the disciples out in pairs, and he had even walked on water. Peter thought he was strong. He believed he knew himself so well that he held his own opinion above that of Jesus. For a moment, he forgot that everything he had become and all he was capable of doing came from Jesus.

When Jesus told him that everyone would desert Him, Peter disagreed. He insisted it would not be so. He forgot that Jesus is the all-knowing God. He forgot he was speaking to the second person of the Trinity and dared to contradict Him. One might argue that Peter was simply speaking his truth based on his emotions—which, in itself, is not wrong. However, it is a sad reality that emotions and feelings alone are not enough when it comes to life’s decisions and matters of destiny.

In John’s account (John 18:15–16) of Jesus’ arrest, we see that only Peter and another disciple known to the high priest followed Jesus to the high priest’s courtyard. Peter’s strength, resolve, and determination could only carry him that far.

Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭7‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) tells us “Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.” We need strength from God to move forward and break through when faced with impossible situations. Yes, impossible—because Peter was on the verge of confronting the ruling power of his time had he admitted he was with Jesus, both the first and second time he was asked. This was a power even the governor, Pilate, was helpless against, as the Bible records that he knew the chief priests were acting out of self-interest.

We can fall into the same error Peter did: beginning to believe in ourselves and relying on the exploits of our past, thinking logically rather than spiritually. But God cannot be wrong. His ways are not man’s ways. If He has said it, so shall it be. That is why we must continually call on God and depend on His ever-available, never-ending strength to prevail. Only by doing this can we avoid the kind of embarrassing situation Peter found himself in at the high priest’s courtyard.

Are there areas in your life where you’re trusting your own wisdom more than God’s voice? Have you begun to rely on past victories instead of daily dependence? I pray for you for the grace to lean on Gods strength and walk in humility and dependence everyday. Amen.

You’re favored

You’re preserved

We love you

God bless you

A TIME WITH ABBA❤