Trusting In Yourself

 "And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same." - Matthew 26:30-35

The disciples had said that if Jesus was going to be killed then they would die alongside Him. But when it came to it, they all fled. Jesus told them that "The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." (v41) It is not that the disciples did not want to support Jesus, but rather, it would be impossible if they were relying on their personal commitment to Jesus. Their determination. What was happening was intensely spiritual. It was beyond the capacity of mere mortals. The disciples did not understand that, but rather saw it as something worldly when it was, in fact, other-worldly.

It is the same for us. This new life that we live we live by faith. It reminds me of what Paul wrote in the church in Corinth.

"From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation." - 2 Corinthians 5:16-18

To live with that perspective - that of being a new creation - requires that we be intentional about our faith and circumspect with respect to our daily living and response to what happens to us - moment by moment. Remembering what the angel of the Lord told Zechariah, "This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts." - Zechariah 4:6

Something that we should all keep in mind when we say we will follow Jesus wherever that leads us - even into the mouth of the lion or the pit of despair.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones." - Proverbs 3:5-8

Think about it – Pray 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