Author Darlene J. Conard

Training is something I despised at one time. Over and over, again and again I’d have to go through the process of learning. The instructor waited patiently. “Get it right.”  Looking back on these things this has opened the spectrum for my spiritual sight. Every trial that chose us says, “Try me! I want to see what you are made of!”

“Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 KJV

If we think falling is impossible, Paul says, “Take heed.” We are going to be tested to see if we truly believe that we will stand.

Can I be transparent here? I’m the worst when it comes to being a perfectionist! One mistake that’s it! So, I keep a record of what I should and shouldn’t do.  “I should have known better! When …when God am I going to learn? My list is a mile long in my sight. Fear strangles the purpose of God in our lives. Unlike me, Peter had at least the courage to step out, no questions. I’ve come a long way in that area.

 

Peter did something the other disciples didn’t. He stepped out on the water. He unfastened his focus on Jesus onto the storm. (Matthew 14:25-31) He sliced the ear off of one of the men who came to escort Jesus to trial. (John 18:10-11) Satan entered him disputing Jesus as He foretold of His death, burial and resurrection. Jesus mentioned, “whatever is bound on earth is bound in heaven. These are the keys.” Peter’s words were not that of God’s will but satan’s scheme. He tried to cancel the will of God. God cancelled his agenda. (Matthew 16:22-24) “Peter,” Jesus warned, “Satan desires to sift you as wheat.”  (Luke 22:31-32) Oh… and the sifting is undeniably an experience that will bring knowledge. Take it and act with wisdom!

The Bible is not discrete concerning Peter’s failures; however, it speaks loud and clear of him being mightily used of God. Jesus didn’t say, “Peter you failed Me. I’m taking back the keys. I don’t want My church founded with you involved.” No… He said the opposite. (Matthew 16:18) He saw what Peter would become not what he was in that moment. The very one who denied Jesus lead the spiritually blind into the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost. (Mark 14:66-68) (Acts 2) Jesus promised, “The gates of hell shall not prevail.”

God sees a warrior in us, when we see nothing.

My friend’s son who won the battle over drug addiction said something to me I’ll not forget. “God puts His strongest warriors at the head of the battle. Darlene, if He brought you to it, He’ll bring you through it.”

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