Finding Strength in Weakness
Given this is holy week, I thought I’d reflect on a principle found in Peter’s denial of Jesus when He was on trial to make us healthier – finding strength in weakness. Even if you aren’t a Christian or a religious person, you don’t want to miss this principle. Have you ever wondered as I have why this story is in all four Gospels (I think it’s in all four so we don’t miss it!)? It certainly isn’t a good look for Peter who is one of the founders of the early church. As I reflect upon this account of Peter, I ask myself three questions:
What do we learn about Peter?
What do we learn about Jesus?
What can we learn about ourselves?
Let’s start with Peter. He is seen and experienced by readers of the New Testament as a bigger-than-life personality. He is seen at the Transfiguration giving suggestions and telling Jesus what to do when he should have been listening (and God told him to be quiet and listen!). Peter is the one who thought if Jesus can walk on water, why shouldn’t he give it a go. He found out he wasn’t God, but did a few steps before realizing exactly what he was doing. Then there is the time Peter spoke out and confessed that Jesus was the Son of God when no one else quite seemed to catch who Jesus really was. And then prior to Jesus being betrayed, an argument broke out among His followers with Peter being in the middle of it, about who the greatest disciple among them was. To be sure, Peter was full of himself at this point, but his bubble was about to burst. Jesus told Peter in Luke 22:31-32,
“Peter, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Peter, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
Peter, in his usual self-assured manner, told Jesus not only would he not fall away, but that he would die with him! Of course, Peter does just the opposite. He would deny not once, but three times that he even knew Jesus when the pressure was on. What do we learn about Peter? That even the best are human and that he was weaker than he thought. Behind his bravado, was fear and anxiety. He was found sleeping in the Garden when he should have been praying for strength and even after Jesus telling him again to stay awake, he fell asleep. What Peter would probably reflect back on later was that he wasn’t prepared for the pressure of the biggest moment of his life and that his faith hadn’t really been tested until now. We learn that Peter wasn’t ready for the moment.
What do we learn about Jesus? We learn that Jesus, who knew all about the flaws and weaknesses of his good friend, still invited him to follow him and that even after all of his talking and bragging about how he was going to be the one to stand tall with Jesus but didn’t, Jesus wasn’t disappointed with him. He didn’t disown or reject him for his denials. Rather Jesus prayed for him, loved him and would restore his relationship with Peter after his resurrection. What we learn about Jesus is that relationships are most important to Him. What can’t always be counted on is us, but what can always be counted on is His character, loyalty and devotion to us.
Finally, what do we learn about ourselves? Have you ever wondered why Jesus didn’t protect Peter and tell Satan to keep his hands off him? I won’t pretend to have the full answer to that, but I’m thinking that being protected and sheltered, while sometimes needed, usually doesn’t make us stronger. Always being bailed out doesn’t help us to grow stronger. As a parent, it’s my natural inclination to protect my kids. When they are small and vulnerable, this is necessary. But in order for them to grow up to be responsible adults, they have to go through some trials and testing to become strong people of character and faith. I can imagine it was painful for Jesus to see Peter blowing in the wind and failing at his faith, just as it is for parents to see their kids going through tough times.
At the same time, it’s essential for them to find out where they are weak and that they aren’t as strong as they think they are so they can work at gaining strength of character. Jesus wasn’t going to be there in-person for Peter and he needed to grow, just as there will be times we won’t be there for our kids and they need to learn to become strong for themselves.
But here is the real lesson as Paul stated it, “when I am weak, then am I strong.” He realized his own strength would only take him so far. It would be his trust in God that would give him the strength to face real adversity. The lesson for us here to make us healthier is this: we are never stronger and more resilient than when we are aware of our own weaknesses and vulnerabilities, and when we allow them to make us more reliant on God’s Spirit and power.
Peter would become known as the “Rock” for his strength and stability. I have to think he began to develop his strength through his denial of Jesus and being restored to Him. If we will allow the Lord to use our weaknesses and trust Him for our strength, He will lead us to stronger and deeper faith that will not only be invaluable to us, but to those we love and serve as well.
Happy Easter as you celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and find life and hope in Him!
See you next month,
Jack
Are You Really Ok? Debra Fileta
