Human Limitations

 The night before Jesus died on the cross, He shared a meal with his friends including one of His closest companions, Peter.  Then the group headed over to the Mount of Olives where Jesus knew He would face arrest and great sorrow.  Part of that sorrow was the knowledge that His closest friends would abandon Him. 

 Peter’s expectation of himself was that regardless of what anyone else would do, he would be loyal and stay at Jesus’ side.  However, before that night was over Peter denied three times that he even knew Jesus.  At the time Peter vowed his loyalty, he meant what he said to Jesus, but he was relying on his own strength to be a faithful friend.  When none of the other disciples were around Peter was intimidated by the threat of unfriendly people and their accusations, and his fear caused him to deny his Lord.  

 How often do we have the same desire and the same bitter defeat as Peter?  Thankfully we can turn our will and our lives over to the care of God because we recognize that we are powerless on our own and our lives are unmanageable.  God accepts us as we are and invites us to rely on His strength to help us live successfully.  

 God doesn’t leave us in our brokenness.  God works with us to identify those defects of character that lead us to act and react in harmful ways.  As we come humbly before God each day and inventory our lives with Him, He will help us make the necessary changes to get rid of our character defects and anything else that limits healthy growth in our recovery.

Prayer:  Gracious God, Help me to grow strong as I daily seek conscious contact with You.  I want to get to know You and Your ways and ask that You show me Your will for my life. Strengthen me by the power of Your Holy Spirit so I can choose to do those things that please You.  Amen

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