Call me Peter!

As I read the Bible and meditate on daily devotions (by LORD’s grace), I can’t help myself comparing to the various Biblical Characters. One of them that stand out to me is Peter.

Now, before you think if I am comparing me to the first great apostle Peter who aggressively surged a full gospel launch on the Gentile world of New Testament era, I want you to pause and let you know that it is his denial of LORD JESUS, that I am comparing myself with.

Few years ago as I was tending the wonderful gift from GOD - my young infant Son, my life was all about him and my GOD. Those days were precious. Imagine a tender Lamb going by its Shepherd in utmost calm and hope, that its Shepherd’s know its course. Even when my circumstances went bad, I kept nodding and walking by his side.

My mornings are beautiful, as I prayed all the way to my office for everyone I knew and my evenings were filled with Gospel talking friends and sweet chit chats.

My prayers made be strong. It made be bold. Then it happened. I became PROUD.

One morning, as I was crossing a railway track I challenged satan that he can try and take me away from LORD, but he will fail.

1 Peter 5:8

 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

It is a good thing to be assured that we are deeply rooted in his love. But it is ignorant if we do not know that it is not because of us we are saved, it is because of HIM that we live.

Titus 3:5

He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,

My life suddenly took a different turn. I encountered a lot of tempting associations carrying the desires of the world. Flattery, Pride, Empty Promises, Deceitful smiles and all the different shimmery things of the world waited at my door every morning.

And I INDULGED in it.

Yes, I did. I didn’t realize. I thought I am a child of GOD and I am untouchable. I got it all wrong, should have endured it rather indulging in it.

 

Ephesians 6:12

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

When my trials in life then, asked a piece of me, I started to indulge in them more. Prayers for others become very cryptic. I opened doors to people I have not known, Idolaters, sorcerers, self lovers and Devil worshippers. Mostly I let people who knows nothing about my Yahweh's righteousness and his Holiness were walking in and out of my world. Worse, I let them tread over me.

I, for the first time in life unknowingly started to worship their relationship and their word with my precious time and hard earned money. I, who called myself  proud daughter of Great LORD Yahweh thought I was not doing anything wrong here. I convinced myself saying that I am being offered an opportunity to spread the Gospel to non believers by these new association. But I was actually letting them creep, perch and spread into me. (James 4:4)

Yes, I compromised my faith. I justified my state and there by “DENIED” our sweet savior Christ just like Peter did.

Let us see, who is Peter?

1. One of the earliest disciples of Christ.
2. He belongs to the inner circle of Christ. He is one of the three (Peter, John & James). He witnessed the transfiguration of Christ
3. Book of Life talks about the miraculous healing of Peter’s mother in law by Christ.
4. His love for Christ is AGGRESSIVE as compared to the sweet natured love of John
5. He faithfully got out of the boat in water and walked towards Christ.
6. He who objected Christ washing the feet in the last supper because of the abundant love and respect for his rabbi.
7. He was the forerunner and protector of Christ and took pride in it. He cut the ears of the soldier Malchus who came to arrest Christ.

YET, within few hours of confronting the soldiers in garden of Gethsemane, Peter – the rock denied Christ during his trial. Not once but THREE times.

 

Been there and done that

I knew exactly how Peter felt when Christ gave that look when the rooster crowed. I know, how it mattered to Peter when Christ followed him to the sea shore when he went on to do his old profession of fishing broken hearted to know his Rabbi, his brother, his friend, his hope got crucified and his body went missing. Imagine Peter's plight, he denied him and he thinks he will never see him again.

 

But LORD alone can give beauty for ashes. (Isaiah 61:3)

 

What a joy it would have been for Peter to see risen with love and glory. Most importantly to know he is forgiven.

 

Peter realized his weakness in his trial and he was made perfect in HIS love (2 Cori 12:9 - My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”)
 

That incident made him strong, well grounded and charged to spread the Gospel to every Jew & Gentile in the world. He was so in GOD's will that encountered crucifixion (upside down) happily for LORD Jesus Christ.

 

Dear Friends,
My experience and affliction let me undergo a lot similar realization it is HIS strength that has been leading me and it is not my flesh or my will.

 

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” – Phil 4:13

Today, after 4 some years and last 2 years of severe trial, my life is full with CHRIST.

 

When everyone fled, CHRIST stood up for me. He held me close to his bosom. He would not tell evil snatch me. He bound me with his bands of love and I was saved one more time by his grace and mercy.

I am his bride. I am not letting anyone in who dislike my beloved because

“I am my beloved’s, And his desire is for me.” -  Song of songs 7:10

 

Dear Friends,
If you have compromised Christ just like I did. Please know that LORD is willing to forgive and forget and let you into his house.

Are you a prodigal son or daughter? Please know that your father, Abba is waiting at the door for you.

Know that you are A Bride of Christ and you will be made pure again by his precious blood.

Please take heart and know that there is hope in Christ. May the good Lord’s work be done in your life! In Jesus name, Amen!