Because Jesus is God, with full and absolute authority, only He can empower us to be more than we could ever be. Only Jesus can take an emotional, impulsive and fearful fisherman and make him into a steadfast, thoughtful and bold pillar of the new Church. On Day 15 called “Rock,” we turn to Simon Peter. It is interesting to me how God refined and then used his character to be a powerful leader for the spreading of the Gospel. Listen to how the authors describe his pre-Jesus and post-Jesus life:
“- Pre-Jesus Peter was directed by emotion. Post-Jesus Peter was directed by his intense love for Jesus.
– Pre-Jesus Peter was impulsive. Post-Jesus Peter was stable, but the culture was not. Christianity was changing everything, and leading that charge required the ability to adjust, pivot, and respond to the Holy Spirit on the fly.
– Pre-Jesus Peter was afraid. Post-Jesus Peter was afraid of ever turning his back on Jesus again, therefore becoming fearless regarding everything else.” (p69-70)
Notice it is not like Peter wasn’t still emotional, impulsive or afraid. It’s more like God transformed his weaknesses by turning them into strengths. Instead of being self-centered in his emotions, God used his emotion of love to become deeply devoted to Jesus. Instead of being impulsive and just doing whatever Peter came up with, God used his passionate spontaneity to, as these authors said, “… respond to the Holy Spirit on the fly.” (p70) Instead of being fearful, God used the Fear of the Lord to keep Peter at His side throughout the rest of his earthly life…and now Peter is with Jesus forevermore!
My point is, even without major transformations, God can use us just the way we are, but we must be willing to use our time, talents and treasures whatever way the Holy Spirit leads. Weaknesses can become strengths if they point us, and others, to God. We will end with another quote from the authors, “Jesus accepts us as we are, but He knows who we’ll become by His power, and He’s making us what we’re not yet.” (p70) We will continue tomorrow…
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The First & Best Book Ever: The Bible
February: Love Is In the Air: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
March: Spring Growth: “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson
April: Living the Resurrected Life: “The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life” by Dr Charles Stanley
May: My Spiritual Mom: “Making Good Habits Breaking Bad Habits” by Joyce Meyer
June: Spiritual Dad: “It’s Not About Me- Rescue from the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy” by Max Lucado
July: Financial Freedom “Complete Guide to Money” by Dave Ramsey
August: Summer’s Soul Restorer “A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23” by W Phillip Keller
September: Covering Our Children: “Prayers for the Prodigals” by James Banks
October: Reformation of Our Hearts: “Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine” by Max Lucado
November: So Thankful To Be Chosen: “The Chosen 40 Days with Jesus Book One, Book Two & Book Three” by Amanda Jenkins, Kristen Hendricks and Dallas Jenkins
<>< Peace, Diane
