As we grow older, we often come to the realization that certain people we doubted were right all along. How many of us have looked back and secretly wondered, If only I would have listened to my parents, who knows how many more opportunities I could have had? Who knows how many hurtful mistakes I could have avoided?
Some of us experience this epiphany sooner than others. I happened to be one of those who took a little longer—especially in my journey of faith. That’s why I’m grateful that the Bible includes people like Peter. He seems to have been a bit of a slow learner when it came to realizing who Jesus was, along with the profound and radical implications of faith in Him.
For instance, Peter is the one who tried to straighten Jesus out when He began to teach the disciples that the time was coming when He was going to suffer and die (Mark 8:31-32). Later, the disciple realized that what Jesus said was perfectly true.
The New Testament goes on to show Peter’s up-and-down struggle to understand that—because of Jesus—Gentile converts didn’t need to keep Jewish laws to become part of God’s family. Even several years after the death and resurrection of Jesus, Peter was “very perplexed” when God told him in a vision to eat “unclean” meat and to visit the home of a Gentile family (Acts 10:9-27). Later on, the apostle Paul had to confront Peter when he stopped eating meals with Gentile Christians who weren’t following Jewish food laws (Galatians 2:11-14). Eventually, Peter came to realize his error (Acts 15:1-11).
Are you struggling to understand certain parts of what it means to follow Jesus? Know that you’re not alone. Thankfully, God is patient with slow learners.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Ezra 3:7-13
More:
Read James 1:5 and consider what could happen if you truly brought your questions to God.
Next:
What are you struggling to understand in your faith journey with Jesus? How can you grow in your knowledge and understanding?
Gary Shultz on April 28, 2016 at 6:35 am
Wow Jeff, one of my life’s themes. I have no idea why God put up with all of the stupidity and sin as I stumbled along life’s path, and I was a Christian. I do have a news flash for myself. If I look back now and see all of these things, how will the present be perceived? Will I hang my head and see a repeat of the same behavior or have I finally learned something. I think Peter sure did. There is nothing like being in God’s presence and allowing the eye of God to examine the thoughts of your heart. I must believe, the closer the walk the better the journey. Hey, a more confident ending too…… Thanks Jeff, getting the fishing rod limbered up I hope.
Jeff Olson on April 28, 2016 at 9:20 am
Your welcome, Gary…and yes the fishing rod is getting limbered up, but the line has yet to still get wet.
gagirllive on April 28, 2016 at 7:35 am
Hey, Jeff. So grateful for lessons like this in scripture that encourage us that God’s grace and patience gives us plenty of space to learn to do what He’s called us to do. It didn’t escape me that in the passage (verse 16) He showed Peter the same vision 3 times! Being a slow learner myself, I identify well with that kind of repeated instruction. I’m learning to let go of the “if only I had” song in my head these days and trust that the broken roads I’ve taken still led me to Jesus…and the lessons I’ve learned along the way are gifts of His grace. Appreciate this encouragement from you today, Jeff. Thanks!
Jeff Olson on April 28, 2016 at 9:25 am
“Three times”…Peter’s story makes me think of the word’s of Paul, “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” I’m so thankful for God’s patience and kindness!
Mike Wittmer on April 28, 2016 at 7:37 am
I am encouraged when I remember how deeply flawed the fathers of our faith were. Abraham was a deadbeat dad, Jacob was a sneaky conniver, David killed a man and took his wife. If God forgave them, then he can forgive my big stuff too.
Jeff Olson on April 28, 2016 at 9:27 am
Amen, Mike!
Tom Felten on April 28, 2016 at 10:11 am
Jeff, as I think about the possible regrets of being a slow learner, I’m thankful for what Paul penned: “The kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow” (2 Corinthians 7:10). May we learn to walk in His grace today!
Jeff Olson on April 28, 2016 at 1:43 pm
Yes…a sorrow that produces peace and rest versus regret.
sandy229 on April 28, 2016 at 10:33 am
I am very thankful for God’s patience and kindness with me. He gives me so many chances and I make so many mistakes, but He just keeps on loving me anyway. I know I can never be perfect but I can strive to be the person God created me to be. I just want to read more of His word every day so I can learn how to be more Christ – like. I struggle with this often, but He always brings me back to the place He wants me to be.
godlove on April 28, 2016 at 1:32 pm
Oh yes, sandy229, I know exactly how you feel. I have been there so many times. Every so often, each time I fall, when I feel like I am completely unworthy of His Love and totally undeserving of receiving anything from Him, just then He shows me His infinite grace and mercy in a very conspicuous manner. I really can’t find words to express my gratitude towards Him for His unconditional love for me.
samgaskill on April 28, 2016 at 10:57 am
The postings here never fail to inspire and help me grow as a child in Gods kingdom. Thank you ODJ writers and commenters! Agree with Gary, the closer the walk the better the journey!! I’m thinking we can all see some of Peter in ourselves, and in every flawed father of the faith. Good to stay humbled and teachable! This study today has reminded me of the grace God pours out for us out of this unconditional love He gives. Helps me to remember to be humble and patient with others whom I may feel are not listening or not understanding or seeing clearly. Grateful for Gods patience with me and really want this fruit to grow in my life. Help us be mindful Lord to extend this same grace to others you continually extend to us. Amen
godlove on April 28, 2016 at 1:31 pm
Thanks Jeff, for this wonderful reminder of God’s patience with us. He waits, waits and waits again; talks to us and teaches us the same things over and over again, until we understand His heart. Sometimes we may learn from our mistakes the hard way, but He never gives up on us. Our heavenly Father is patient even with the slowest learners. Holy Scripture is filled with references (Psalm 103:8, Numbers 14:18, Nehemiah 9:31, Exodus 34:6, Joel 2:13) constantly reminding us that God is “slow to anger and abounding in love”. May the Lord’s Name be praised! And I pray that just as I benefit of His patience everyday, I may learn as well to be more understanding with the slow learners around me.
Jeff Olson on April 28, 2016 at 1:51 pm
Absolutely, godlove…as you and samgaskill pointed out, patient love is one of kindest gifts we can offer our fellow slow learners.