Day 20: The Self-Imposed Wilderness

“Oh, Peter,” and as soon as I type those words, the next thought that comes to mind is “Oh, Jason.” I relate to Peter, and not for the good stuff he did, more-so the trouble he got himself into while operating out of his own strength. You know, the big promises he makes and the so-called “bold moves” he takes (off with your ear!). Recall what Peter so vehemently declared to Jesus back in Matthew 26:35, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” A few hours later, Peter denies Jesus three times. Well, that was quick!

I attended a healing talk a few years ago, and I remember being deeply moved by the teaching and testimonies. I responded like any good “Peter” would, “Father, from this moment forward, I will pray for every sick person I ever see!” A few days later…we found ourselves at a city-wide yard sale. No joke, out of the hundreds of people we passed by that day, 1 out of every 4 were on crutches, in a wheelchair, on an oxygen machine, or suffering in some way. I was so overwhelmed by the needs that I crumbled inside, too scared to pray for any one of them.

When Peter, you, or I fall short, do you notice that Jesus never casts us out? He doesn’t send us off into the wilderness to figure it out on our own. Nope, we do that! Peter went back to his fishing boat and I went back to shame and condemnation, punishing myself for falling short.

Jesus responds to our self-imposed wilderness or “time-outs” by coming right after us. There Jesus is, sitting on the shore cooking up breakfast for Peter, waiting to reinstate him into the ministry. Jesus does the same with us. We anticipate being corrected or punished. Yet, He desires to sit with us and talk about what’s next. Where do you tend to run off to when you slip or fall short in faith? Where might Jesus be waiting to speak life and love into you?


PRAY:
Father, help us be faithful sons and daughters who walk by faith and trust in you, not in our own strength. May we be those who run to you when we fall short and sit with you when we are lost. Thank you Lord, that even when we find ourselves in the wilderness, you are with us. Amen.