REFLECTION

Peter's Thoughts about Peter

"REFLECTIONS" pages are encouragement for you taken directly from Scripture.  We invite you to let these truths sink down deep inside you, and to begin to know, understand and feel Comfort directly from our Father in heaven, designed especially for you and where you are at in life!  Please take time for the Pause, Reflect and Receive at the end of every REFLECTION.

Does knowing ourselves really matter?

Here is an example as to why we are told “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”   Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
 
We have to look no farther than the man Jesus selected for leadership to grasp the importance of being aware of our thoughts and our heat beliefs.  Peter, some might argue, was the last person anyone would choose for any kind of leadership role.  He was not especially educated, smart, wealthy, or religious.  He was bigoted, rash, and made “putting your foot into your mouth” almost an art form.  And perhaps most important, he simply didn’t know himself very well.

Reflect in this interaction between Peter and Jesus on the day before Jesus died.  Jesus says to Peter:
“Simon, stay on your toes.  Satan has tried his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat.  Simon, I’ve prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out.  When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start.”

Peter said, “Master, I’m ready for anything with you.  I’d go to jail for you.  I’d die for you!”.  Jesus said, “I’m sorry to have to tell you this, Peter, but before the rooster crows you will have three times denied that you know me.”  (Luke 22:31-34 MSG)

Remember when Peter first met Jesus, he suggested that Jesus get away from him, when Peter announced he was just a sinful fisherman.  He, it seems, had no idea of what he was capable of, no idea of all he could do in his life, no idea that there could be more to his life than nets and fishing gear.  He had low self-esteem.
Then as we read above, Peter denied even knowing Jesus.  To make this denial an even more spectacular turn of events, his denial was simply hours after guaranteeing to Jesus that he, Peter, would always be there, always be faithful and loyal and steady.  He had high self-esteem.  It was obvious: Peter didn’t quite know himself very well.  A lot like us!

It wasn’t until the day we call Pentecost, shortly after Jesus left His followers, that the Holy Spirit came in power, both strengthening and giving knowledge to the followers of Jesus.  That is really when Peter finally began the journey of knowing himself better, making him better able to be the encouraging leader Jesus knew he could be.
 

At the end of various readings in Comfort.Guide, we will have a "Pause", "Reflect" and "Receive" section.  The purpose of this exercise is to help you better understand and to personally absorb the encouragement Comfort.Guide offers.  If you would like, visit the "HOW TO USE" page for a review of "Pause, Reflect and Receive".


PAUSE … Block out “busy” thoughts and rather concentrate on the good news God has for you.
 

REFLECT … Questions for you…

How well do you think Peter had figured out about himself?

How did Peter’s lack of self-knowledge hurt him and others?

How might his self-esteem have been damaged?

How is your self-esteem?

Why did Jesus choose Peter for such an important position?

Why might God choose you for His important work today?
 
 
RECEIVE … Let this encouragement sink in!


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