We all know relatable statements related to Murphy's Law - "all things that can go wrong will", or that "those things come in threes", but allow me to share with you an opposite spectrum of that scenario. Rather than focusing on those three (3) challenges (whatever they may be) let's review what's learned from them. Often, when self-examining my own life, some of the challenges I have faced now reside foundationally within my testimony for God's work within my life. Rather than sharing my own, I would like to share with you Scripture that allowed me to start looking for those types of answers:
34Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. Matthew 26:34 KJV
I start here because of the verse's notoriety. Though it is well known, it may not transfer this message well if you aren't looking through the failure of Peter. Though Jesus knows that Peter will deny Him, He tells Peter before the challenge occurs that he'll fail. Though it's known Peter is going to fail, Jesus allows him to learn as only Peter can. When this failure is announced, all the disciples start to dispute that any of them would ever deny Jesus, vowing their lives be taken otherwise. Once Jesus is taken from the group of disciples, Peter fails this challenge from three (3) different altercations with people hoping to identify him as a follower of Jesus. People within the city are challenging Peter at each spot he hopes to find rest, until he realizes he had failed thrice.
What a good hidden lesson to know that we can look around for rest that we hope to create in our own in deceit, but true refuge will not be found there.
And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly. Matthew 26:75 KJV
Although Peter confidently knew that he was doing the right thing with Jesus present, he lost his way once Jesus was out of sight. Once his known source of God was gone, Peter started to deny what was once a foundational a part of his life. Only until he is humbled by reflection on his actions does Peter start to cry, realizing the mercy of Jesus first-hand. Jesus knew all of the challenges each of His disciples faced, ministering to the masses, but independently fostering hope specific to their paths in His ministry.
17He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. John 21:17 KJV
Now again, knowing Peter, Jesus asks this request just before the Book of John closes. I find myself wondering about Peter in this moment when I read that he is grieved.
Though the writer does capture that Peter is upset from Jesus asking the question again, the response allows us to examine a bit more. I stand at conflict about what Peter is more upset by: himself now being questioned, or Peter being reminded of his previous failure. God allows us to learn how we specifically need to learn. While each person is unique, God shows He has a way of allowing people to learn differently, specific to themselves. Even after crucifixion, God continues to talk with Peter just as Jesus did.
16This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. Acts 10:16 KJV
Peter stands firm with his traditions, even sharing doubts that he understands the vision at all. Though he continues to ponder it, he leaves with an entourage from Joppa (the city he's staying in) to talk with a person requesting him specifically. Even with strangers being the requestors, the Holy Ghost has told him to follow them and to doubt nothing. Understanding direct instruction, Peter hops off the roof to greet his new guests.
After hosting them for the night, Peter goes on his way to meet the beckoning figurehead. He is met by a man that falls to his feet, worshipping him due to being given a vision of Peter. Not just any vision, but that Peter was exactly where he was, he would bring the message of God to his people, and it all was true. Although Peter is being sent by God, Peter humbly corrects Cornelius that he is still just a man.
25And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him . 26But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. Acts 10:25-26
One of the many reasons why I love reading through the interactions with God that Peter has, as well as the interactions with the Son (Jesus Christ) and Peter, is that I constantly get confirmations of how we are so specifically known. I'm reminded that God will continue to allow us to learn, while being gifted such grace and mercy as we continue to fail, learning just how we need to for it to be known. Though that failure is present, God continues to work on us and develop more and more testimonies of His works being done, allowing for glory to be shouted in His name.
So, while I hope that this encourages you, the real reward is had once you give glory where it is truly warranted. In closing, I would love to share Jesus' teachings just before what is famously known as the Lord's Prayer. Whether you feel excited to share the works you have witnessed of God or not, giving glory can also be started through closet conversations with God. Not only can it, but it is encouraged.
6But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. Matthew 6:6
My prayer to share this week that you are welcome to join:
Almighty God, please share with us additional words of wisdom that excites us about Your word. Please encourage us to seek you and to knock, as Your word tells us that You will answer! Allow us to be full of love when we encounter others within Your world and show them a reflection of that love. Show me how I can live truer to the name of Christian, being as much like Christ and His teachings that we are able to exemplify. In Jesus' name we pray, honoring the covenant He created with humankind to be The Way directly to You. Amen.
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