Journeying With Jesus - 40 Days Lent DevotionalSample

Good Ol’ Peter. He was such a loyal friend. He was so full of enthusiasm and zest for the kingdom of God. Never would he have imagined that he would turn his back on his closest friend and teacher, Jesus. Peter was in denial of his impending denial. 

In verse 33 of Matthew 26 we read Peter’s words: Even if the others fall away on account of you, I never will.

He is so sure of himself and his sense of loyalty. 

And that’s where the problem lies. Peter was, perhaps, depending on his own ability to stand strong in the midst of pressure.

It brings to mind the warning in 1 Corinthians where Scripture predicts this fallacy of self-assuredness: If you think you’re standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall. 

What if instead of responding to Jesus’ prophecy of his denial with a “Me? No Way!” Peter had humbly said, “Me? Really? Can you show me how I can stay strong because on my own I’m really, really weak.”

Vulnerability before God is a safe place. It’s the first step in growing in faith. 

Bringing It Home

Am I sometimes bombastic in my faith assuming that I won’t ever fall? Am I willing to be vulnerable before God and ask him for supernatural strength in my faith walk because on my own I absolutely cannot make it through?

Lean In

Father, I don’t want to do life without depending on you. In you I live and move and have my being. I can’t stand firm unless I’m standing on the Rock that is higher than I. Thank you for being my Rock. Amen