Not me, Never!

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.”³³ Peter said, “Master, I’m ready for anything with you. I’d go to jail for you. I’d die for you”. Luke 22:32-33

Jesus was warning Peter of what lay ahead for him. Satan was out to trip him up, to separate him from Christ, but Peter was convinced he was too strong to give in to temptation. Jesus, knowing Peter’s strong personality and leadership potential, prays for him to remain faithful, never giving up or giving in during difficult times.

I have a feeling that passionate Peter may have had an inflated opinion of himself.  He had experienced some pretty amazing things with Jesus. He had changed so much and felt confident he was beyond temptation and would never fail when things got difficult. “Not me, never!”, declares Peter.

Jesus allows temptation and times of testing so that we, like Peter, can see and be warned that temptation and testing are a part of this world. We are not to let anything, even a failure, knock us down and out!  NEVER give up! Never give in! And never become pompous and proud of your strength! Your strength is from God. You will never be able to resist the enemy without the power of the Holy Spirit who lives in you and faithfulness to God’s Word. Peter still has a lot to learn.

Father, help us never to become so proud of our strength and determination to follow You that we fall into the enemy’s trap of prideful declarations!  May we remember our strength and salvation are from You. May we be very careful of the words, “Well, I would never…,” but rely on the words, “Jesus, give us strength to resist temptation and stay strong during times of testing.  Help us to trust and obey!