"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." - Ephesians 6:12
As Christians we live two lives. A natural one and a spiritual one. The "go to" life we use to deal with day to day circumstances in our lives - most often the natural one, even though we would like it to be the spiritual one. And very often - our intent is that our spiritual life would be dominant.
I was thinking about Peter. Two incidents come to mind.
"But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down." - Matthew 14:27-32
God will almost always ask us to do what is not humanly possible to do.
"This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty." - Zechariah 4:6
Jesus told Peter to walk to Him and so he did. But then Peter started to consider the fact that he was doing something that he could not do. Specifically, walk on water. He took his eyes off of Jesus and looked down as he sank into the sea. Notice that Peter and Jesus both walked back to the boat - together.
Jesus told Peter that he lacked faith. That he doubted Jesus - not himself. Just like we do. We start off with good intentions but then "common sense" raises its head and we wonder why we thought it was a good idea to get out of the boat. Remembering that the other guys stayed in the boat and watched.
The other time was the might that Peter denied Jesus.
"Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same." - Matthew 26:31-35
That is the path that many well intentioned Christians follow. It is one thing to talk about taking on a lion - and another thing to feel the breath of the lion on your neck! Peter loved Jesus but still trusted more in his flesh than in God. In fact later Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved him. First as a friend, second as a brother, and third as his Lord. When Peter had been confronted by people saying he was a follower of Jesus - he went to his "go to". He had to lie to protect himself. He feared for his life. They were about to crucify the One who had saved him from drowning in the sea. Who would save Peter now?
We can find ourselves in similar situations. Perhaps not with a threat of death - but perhaps rejection or ridicule. I know I quote Proverbs 3:5-6 a good bit. Think about it in terms of what happened to Peter and more than likely has happened or will happen to you.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones." - Proverbs 3:5-8
Think about it – Believe it - Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone
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