Peter was someone who asked Jesus to make him walk on water if Jesus was truly himself. (Matthew 14:28). He compared himself to apostle John (whom Jesus dearly loved) asking Jesus what he would do with him (John 21:21). He denied Jesus 3 times before the rooster crowed (Luke 22:54~62). He was roasted by Apostle Paul (A newbie apostle) for his actions (Gal 2:11~14). And he was scolded by Jesus with harsh words. These are the reasons why I love Peter even more.
Peter showed us what it’s like to be human in first person narrative. I often find myself doubting God and His works according to my circumstances. I still find myself doubting His nature and character even after seeing what He has done in my life. This is what makes us human. And I also think this is the reason why God loves us even more. When you love someone, their goofy mistakes and small fits they throw makes seems adorable to you and it will bring a smile on your face. That goes the same for God. Whenever we are in doubt or despair and we throw tantrums and fits, he will sometimes be annoyed by it. But I bet that He is our father that would just pick us up from the ground in His big arms with a big smile on His face. God loves us for who we are. Our mistakes are what makes us human. It is in our weakness that He is made perfect. Therefore, we must embrace our weakness and leave it up to the Lord for the healing to come. “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Cor 12:9)
I remember the time when I was in elementary school, asking my parents why they wouldn’t get me a Gameboy (It was a super big deal back then). My parents give me a million reasons why they wouldn’t get me one, but I remember being very upset about it. When I think about it now, that Gameboy would’ve done me more harm than good back then. Eventually, our family did end up getting a Gameboy. That Gameboy was broken into pieces because I and my younger brother got into a brawl on who was going to play with it first.
What we could learn from that Gameboy story and Peter is that God has perfect timing and a plan for us. It’s fine to be upset when things don’t work out as you planned but we must not dwell in it. We must wait for His timing and follow in His plans to gain true joy and happiness.
We often laugh and frown upon Peter’s impatience and unbelief. But what Jesus had done in Peter’s life still amazes me to this day. Peter became the first one among other disciples to preach at the day of Pentecost (Acts:14~42). Peter performed countless miracles through the Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts. In the end, he was martyred hanging upside down on the cross. He refused to die like Christ because he considered himself not worthy of a death like Christ. Jesus truly turned a gruff fisherman into a bold, fire preaching, humble fisher-of-men. Let’s take some time today to take a step back and ask the Lord to do His work in you and for His will to be done in your life.
