The Test

When the time comes that we have to face a real test of our strength of faith, will we be strong or weak?

"Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." And he said to him, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!" Jesus said, "I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you have denied three times that you know me." He said to them, "When I sent you out without a purse, bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?" They said, "No, not a thing." He said to them, "But now, the one who has a purse must take it, and likewise a bag. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you, this scripture must be fulfilled in me, 'And he was counted among the lawless' and indeed what is written about me is being fulfilled." They said, "Lord, look, here are two swords." He replied, "It is enough." - Luke 22:31-38

I feel bad for Simon Peter.

He truly believed he would have the courage to stand up for Jesus.  But Jesus tells him plainly he will fail in that test.

Time has changed.

Before, Jesus could send them out without fear.  They carried nothing so they were not targets and they lacked nothing because people came to trust them and show hospitality toward them.

But now, with Jesus gone, they will not be so eagerly accepted.

They will need to fend for themselves. They will be tested everyday.

And when you are tested and accused over and over again, what do you wind up doing?  Do you continue to fight or do you give up?

Simon Peter shows us how weak we can be, even when we choose to be strong.

Faith is our only strength, and when we let it fall to doubt or fear, we lose.

More to come...