Feelings Are Fickle:
From Strength to Weakness – Part 2

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.

As we continue to look at the Apostle Peter’s collapse of strength, we must ask the question: What does God do with our emotional swings?  In Peter’s case, the gospel of Mark records God’s response.  When the ladies went to the tomb and found it empty and angel was there to greet them, God’s angel told them that Jesus was no longer in the tomb, for He had risen!  The angel pointed to the place where Jesus’ human body had been laid to assure the ladies that Jesus was no longer there!  Then this angel of the Lord said, “Go tell his disciples and Peter…”  (Mark 16:7).

            Why was Peter listed separately from the disciples?  Why didn’t the angel simply tell the ladies to go tell His disciples?  I’m convinced it was God’s way of dealing with Peter’s feelings.  Yes, God certainly watched the swing from strength to weakness, but He also watched Peter weep as he realized his own failure.  In great mercy and love God had the angel specify Peter’s name to make sure the ladies would tell Peter everything was going to be OK.  What a loving God we serve!

            Have you ever struggled to forgive yourself when your feelings of strength turned to mush?  I certainly have and it is hard to imagine God’s love at those times!  God would want us to hear, by faith, our name being called out!  God’s arms are open in love for us who are so unworthy!

Father, I believe you know me and call me to yourself when I stumble.  I praise you for your great love and mercy.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.