He knew his actions didn’t support his earlier claim of loyalty and devotion. He was profoundly ashamed. He was overwhelmed by his failure. Peter couldn’t trust his feelings, so he appealed to Jesus who knew all that was in his heart.
Don’t doubt God’s ability to do the seeming impossible in your life. With faith, Peter walked on water. With a little faith, you can do every task the Lord requires, as well. There is no reason to doubt.
God blesses our expressions of gratitude because those words—whether audibly spoken or merely whispered in depths of the heart—acknowledge dependence upon Him for all in the scope of life!
Like an athlete competing in a race, the focus of the people of faith must center on the object of our hope—the Lord. The difficulty of the challenge, the obstacles along the way and the exertion required—all fade into the background as the goal becomes the preeminent driving force.
Joy, gentleness and unsurpassed peace characterize the stability characteristic of the Believer. Paul presents each as an imperative—meaning they all require a choice.
