…the less I know.
OreoSouza and Maureen's post just remind me of this. The more I learn about God the less I know.
- A beautiful friend of mine just lost her precious little one after just a few weeks of life.
- Another precious friend is battling health problems that threaten her life.
Why? I don't know.
What I do know is that there is a God who loves me (us) more than I can ever begin to understand. Oh how like Peter we are.
“Lord, I will go to prison, even death for you.” (Luke 22:31-34)
then after Jesus is arrested the same Peter says…
” Jesus? (WHO??) I do not know him!” (Luke 22:54-69)
and he says it three times.
So what does Jesus do?
After his resurrection He restores Peter to the leader God has called him to be.
“Do you love me Peter?” Jesus asks three times. (John 21:15-19) To me he's asking “Look in your heart? Do you really really love me?” Maybe Peter is humbled realizing he does love Jesus but not like he thought he did.
So, Jesus restores Peter after he publicly denies HIM, after he claims he'll follow Jesus anywhere, after he fails miserably.
And Peter's restoration changes him. In Acts chapter 2 vs 14-41 Peter's sermon brings 3000 people to know Jesus at Pentecost. And in chapter 4 of Acts (vs 4) 2000 more are added.
All by a man who failed Jesus in Jesus' weakest hour. This failure of a man was used by God to bring over 5,000 people to know Jesus.
Maureen, God used Peter.
God will use you.
He'll use me.
He'll use all of us.
With our shortcomings, our failures, our doubt, our disbelief.
Praise HIM!!! Thankfully none of what He does through me is because of me. It's in spite of me. It all comes from a man, a God who's walked the path before me.
Jesus, make me love you more.
Julie
Thank you, Julie, This was a thought provoking post.
Ahhh, after today, this really hit the spot. I have felt like such a failure as a mommy today (forget teaching!) that it’s a blessing to be reminded of another “failure” who turned out okay.
Your “God breathed” entries truly are. Thank you.
Keeping Andie in my prayers,
Chelo
Julie, I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to reach out to me on my blog and on yours! Thanks for the encouragement! It’s so kind of you to read, to understand, to respond, to encourage, to love. And it means so much to me.
I have been thinking about Peter a little bit, in this situation (even prior to your post, it was on my mind!) I think it is important in my daily walk with God to understand what happened there. My questions are: Why, when Peter promised to stand by Jesus to the end, did Jesus predict his failure? Why didn’t Jesus help him to keep that promise in some way? To aid Peter in his good intentions? Why did He allow Peter to fail? Man, I better stop here because a hundred Q and A’s are popping into my brain. I will think about this some more, and thank you for bringing it back to my attention because I think it is significant to me right now.
And thanks again for your kindness and thoughtfulness to me.
This is a beautiful post. (((HUGS))) S http://mainehomeschooling.homeschooljournal.net
I am sorry. I accidentally posted a link to someone else’s web log in my signature. *Blushing* That last comment was from me. Steph http://momof3feistykids.blogspot.com/
To be used by our awesome heavenly Father to glorify Him and further His kingdom, despite my faults.
Great entry,
God bless,
Linda