Feelings Are Fickle:
From Strength to Weakness – Part 1

Scripture Reading:  Matthew 26:70-75

Key Verse:  Matthew 26:74

Then he began to call down curses on himself and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!” Immediately a rooster crowed.

In Matthew 26 we see a shining example of how fickle our emotions can be.  In verse 33 the Apostle Peter told Jesus; “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”  Peter was feeling strong and courageous.  We all know those feelings.  We have a good day and we feel like we can climb any mountain; conquer any foe!

            As you well know, before the day was over, Peter’s feelings went from courageous to cowardly.  A servant girl pointed her finger at Peter and he melted!  Peter’s feelings of strength and courage drained from him and the feelings of fear took over!  All this in less than 12 hours.  I’m sure we have all had these feelings come upon us as well.  Strength turns into weakness, as far as how we feel at some of the most insignificant turn of events.  Feelings really can be fickle.

            Did Peter’s fickle feelings surprise Jesus?  Of course not.  When Peter was feeling so strong, Jesus told him that the evening would not end well (verse 34).  Nor do we surprise Jesus when our emotions swing on us.  Can you remember a time when you sang loudly in church and prayed sincerely, yet turned from “saint to sinner” before the day ended?  Jesus knew it was coming before you experienced that swing of emotions.  His plans for us include all these human possibilities and God will work it all out for our good.  More on that tomorrow.

Father, I feel ashamed when I feel so strong one minute and so weak the next.  I praise you for loving me in spite of me!  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.