Faith

The Rooster Crowed

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And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.   Matthew 26:75 ESV

In the pre-dawn hours after the arrest of Jesus, Peter was determined to see if he could find a way to free him. First he followed the soldiers as they led Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest. But as he entered with John through the doorway a young servant girl who was watching them asked curiously, “Weren’t you one of them with Jesus?” Maybe Peter turned with a distracted look on his face to answer, “No, not me. You must be mistaken.” Then He moved on to try and plan what to do next. But another person pointed at him saying. “Oh yes I am sure I saw you with him!” But Peter shook his head and looked away saying, “You must be mistaken. I do not know this man.”  Finally as he worked his way closer to where Jesus stood Peter tried questioning the others around him to find out what was going on when someone tapped him on the shoulder saying, “Hey buddy, I am sure by your accent, that you are from Galilee. You are one His disciples aren’t you?” “Me. Are you kidding?” Peter nervously answered and as he began to curse and swear a rooster crowed and he remembered what Jesus had told him. Worse yet, Jesus turned and looked right at Peter.  In that instant he knew that he had miserably failed, just as Jesus had said. But there remained hope, even as he ran out weeping in disgust at his own weakness. There was great hope for Peter, just as there is for us. After the resurrection, Peter, discovered that his failure was the beginning of hope built on mercy and held together by the love of Jesus Christ.

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Running to the Finish Line

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Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 KJV

As a long distance runner in high school, I learned early on that my toughest competition came from my own body and mind. At the starting gun my mind wanted to race ahead but our coach had taught us to start slowly. When I paced myself I discovered that later on in the race, I still had the strength to press on to the final lap. My recent retirement followed by our move to Florida brought on far more stress and anxiety than I had imagined.

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Suddenly I had no lunch to pack, no schedule to keep and no one coming by. It felt as if the road I had been traveling on for most of my life was a dead end. I found myself sleepless with anxiety and fear swirling around me. There I remembered that Jesus as He had hung alone on the cross, had cried out, “My God My God why have you forsaken me?” With no one who could understand and no deliverance at hand He endured it all for me. Humbled and grateful I remembered His example and loving sacrifice. In that dark hour long ago, another man on a cross next to Jesus cried out in pain and fear. Then Jesus, put aside His own suffering, forgave him and promised to personally welcome him to paradise that day.

Prayer: Father – Help me to remember that You endured the terrible cross for me. Remind me that I don’t need to be afraid because just You are the beginning of my faith You have also promised to help me run all the way to its finish line.

 

Getting Back in the Boat With Jesus

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And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Matthew 14:32 NKJV

This seemingly insignificant verse from Matthew’s gospel held a promise for me that I had overlooked till I desperately needed it. My mother was just 62 when she died of breast cancer and her passing left me feeling like I had been run over by a truck. The years struggling to rebuild our relationship, the prayers and the conversations were suddenly over. I felt as if I were locked in a room with barely enough air to breathe. I sleep walked through months of guilt and regret for what had never been. I had often thought about God challenging me as He had challenged Peter to get out of the boat. At other times I had been comforted knowing that just as Jesus had reached out his hand to save Peter He would take my hand in the middle of a crisis. But it was just as important for me to learn that Jesus wanted to help me back into the boat and restore calm when this storm had passed. I do not know how it happened but gradually light began shining in the dark places of my heart. I woke up to find that though I might never understand the why behind the pain, just knowing that God knew had become enough. Do you struggle to see God as more than just challenging or rescuing you? It is a wonderful surprise that waits when you realize that He is also delighted to help you back in the boat and calm the wind to a hush.

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