These Moments

Scripture:  II Corinthians 1:3-4  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

I have watched those who say they are of the faith be cornered by those who have chosen not to believe God’s Word. I am brought to the accounts in scripture where Peter, who at moments, seemed bold and sure, so much so that he even cut the ear off of a Roman guard coming to arrest our Lord. Peter would boldly declare His love and support for Jesus. Yet, during a monumental moment (Matt. 26:33-35, Mk 14:29-31, Luke 22:33-34, John 18:15-27), he succumbed to his fear and his apprehensiveness to stand alone for the cause he once seemed committed & intensely convinced-JESUS.  After the very moment he denied knowing His Lord, friend, His God, Jesus, scripture says he “cried bitterly”.  He felt the agony that shame & remorse can bring. I’ve been there. Oh, the moments I could have stolen & embraced to share the Lord’s unfailing love, but instead I became a prisoner to my fears. It is a painful, paralyzing, humbling, and lonely state. I believe God allows these moments of failure to bring us awareness, insight, if you will.  He wants us to gain understanding of how far we truly are from the image of His Son. For we must be reminded of our main goal here on earth. Yes, God wants glory in all of our existence. His goal is to shape us up to be the very ambassadors of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Nothing like a moment of failure to bring you back to your knees, desiring what only He can give; and that’s forgiveness, love, restoration, assurance, etc. That state of shame and failure is where precious time with our Lord is spent for realignment. Only He is able to settle our hearts and build us back up for His purposes. Most of us know the struggle so well. That’s why when we see another who liken themselves a Christian, but don’t live up to “the understood expectations”…we should immediately storm heaven. Choosing to be a source of comfort to our brother or sister goes much further & benefits the body more than our criticisms and untimely judgements. For we will never know what that moment of failure & shame did to & for that person. Keeping this in mind, after Peter’s failure, God continued to use, dialogue and fellowship with Peter.

Prayer:  Lord, You are the One who causes us to triumph, and You desire us to prosper; therefore, show us how to submit to Your humbling methods of growth.  Help us to choose to comfort one another with mercy & grace. Give us discernment in how we are to treat others of the faith. We know You know all things and every heart. We thank You for your constant love toward us…In Jesus’ Name-Amen!!

(by Dr. Neal Brockington)