Matthew 26:33-34, 74-75, “Peter replied, ‘Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.’ ‘Truly I tell you,’ Jesus answered, ‘this very night before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.’…Then he (Peter) began to call down curses on himself, and he swore to them, ‘I don’t know the man!’ Immediately a rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken… and he went outside and wept bitterly.”
You know that feeling you get when you’re going down the steepest part of the park’s tallest roller coaster? Suddenly, your stomach goes from your torso to your throat, and you ask yourself, “What have I done?”
Now think of a time you made a sizeable mistake and felt that same regret – especially once you realized you couldn’t take it back. Imagine how Peter must have felt when he realized what he’d just done to Jesus. Or, maybe you don’t have to imagine it. Perhaps you know that feeling firsthand. You see, what Peter did, we also do. Because we’re all human, we all miss the mark and disobey God. Each time this happens, we are rejecting God and who He is.
We all face unexpected situations and temptations that catch us off-guard, but we are responsible for how we react and respond. When the pressure is on, speaking up about Jesus is important, but choosing to reflect His presence and character is also important! Today, what will you choose?
If you were Peter, how would you have responded in the same situation? Are you proud to be a Christian? Are you willing to stand firm when everyone around you denies who Christ is?
God, Thank You for forgiving me every time I mess up and turn away from You. Help me turn from sin and please transform my heart. Help me to reflect You more and more. It’s in Your name I pray, Amen.