After winning the Masters in 1997, a pro golfer decided to change his swing, a decision that baffled golf experts. He wouldn’t win a major tournament for 2 years, but he eventually reestablished himself as the number one golfer in the world. The competitor asserted that unlearning his old swing was crucial, for he needed to get rid of bad habits in order to become a better golfer.
Early on, the apostle Peter often exhibited pride, seeking to prove that he was more faithful than the other disciples. Nothing captures this hubris more perfectly than when Peter dared to rebuke Jesus for prophesying His own death (Mark 8:31-33). A man has to be pretty confident to rebuke the Messiah! But all of Peter’s confidence fell apart on Good Friday, when he didn’t stand with Jesus after being questioned by three people—two of them who were servant girls (Matthew 26:69-75).
But far from being a catastrophe, this was actually an important step in Peter’s becoming the disciple he was supposed to be. Peter had to unlearn all his bad habits and lose his confidence in himself so that he could gain full confidence in Christ instead. And the transformation was dramatic—in the Gospels, Peter wept because he failed to speak up for Jesus (Matthew 26:75). But in the book of Acts, Peter testified before thousands, and even before the Sanhedrin—religious leaders who were responsible for Jesus’ death! (Acts 4:1-14, 5:17-29).
Not all setbacks are negative, not in the economy and wisdom of God. Sometimes what seem like catastrophes to us are part of the process of sanctification, in which our bad habits and sinful strongholds are being dismantled so that we can become the children of God we were meant to be!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Job 2:1-13
More:
Read Acts 9:1-19 to see another example of God breaking down someone so that he could be built up into something more.
Next:
What might God be accomplishing in your life through a recent difficult experience? What bad habit or stronghold has prevented you from being the disciple God wants you to be?
Gary Shultz on May 9, 2016 at 6:32 am
Peter, this is probably not an unfamiliar sequence, to most of us, as God shows or exposes areas of life the are counter productive to life in Christ. Some of those are more than obvious, even though we remain tied to them. What is more difficult to me is what the golfer found to be able to reach from the good to the best. Sometimes that takes more scrutiny than I possess. It also seems to take some time to realize areas that go beyond the norm and open our eyes to the best. I am convinced that is where God would have us be, and for the most part it will take His insight to move us along. If you have any good tips on this transforming process, please continue. Thanks Peter.
gagirllive on May 9, 2016 at 8:02 am
Gary, I like the point you make about being able to go from good to best as the golfer did. His was a self-analysis, but I’m not sure that I can make that determination in my own life when it comes to deep changes, spiritually speaking. I honestly don’t think I am capable of seeing that. It makes me think of what Jesus said in John 15…that the Father (the Vinedresser), after careful observation of His branches, sees those that are already bearing fruit (good) and prunes them so that they bear more fruit (better). Hmm…I wonder, could this be God’s work alone in us?
Tom Felten on May 9, 2016 at 8:04 am
Good thoughts, Gary. Ultimately it’s God who works by His Spirit to transform and sanctify us. These verse from Paul help me understand a bit clearer my role in the process: “Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy” (Ephesians 4:22-24).
gagirllive on May 9, 2016 at 8:14 am
Amen, Tom. Not only does the Spirit TRANSFORM but He also IDENTIFIES the changes that He wants to make in us. That’s where I was going with Gary’s comment. Once again, you have succinctly stated it. 🙂 Gracias!
hsnpoor on May 9, 2016 at 11:13 am
I so agree that the best we can do on our own strength is good. It takes God’s intervention to move us from good to best. Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, mind has not conceived…. And I do believe the bottom-line reason for same is, who gets the glory? Lord knows (and we do too) that if we were able to determine God’s best for our lives, we would be absolutely consumed and devoured by pride; so in his mercy, God just doesn’t let us go there (whether we know it or not). I don’t know, but I suspect that sincerely seeking God’s Will for our lives and abandoning ourselves to whatever that may be, no matter where it takes us or how different it looks from what we expect, may be what’s needed to move the transformation process along. Actually, I do know that works, I’m just not personally always willing to make the commitment that I know leads to spiritual success. It’s that spirit warring against the flesh and vice-versa….
doctor-perspective on May 9, 2016 at 1:51 pm
Gary, I resonate 100% with the profound observation you have made about surrendering what is good in pursuit of what is best. And I do agree that surrendering what is good, is far more difficult than surrendering what is bad. This is how my daughter said it at her early childhood school:
“Good, better best!
Never let it rest!
Until your good gets better…
And your better, best!”
hsnpoor on May 9, 2016 at 4:09 pm
That’s a good one for childhood, teen years, middle and older age! Smart girl! Wouldn’t expect less from your offspring…:)
peter chin on May 9, 2016 at 10:52 pm
I’m not sure that I am any more capable in this regard that anyone else. But I think what I have learned is the importance of faith over self awareness. It is great if we can be self aware enough to know that we need to improve in some aspect of our lives, even an aspect in which we are already proficient, and give it over to the Lord. But even if we lack that awareness, as I do, I can trust that if God deconstructs what I believe I am good at, it is for the purposes of making me better in the end, making more more like Christ. I guess what is more important than knowing what we need improved is to trust the wisdom of the One who does the improving.
hsnpoor on May 10, 2016 at 12:24 pm
Good word and perspective! Thank you!
gagirllive on May 9, 2016 at 7:43 am
“To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven…a time to break down and a time to build up.” Solomon’s beautiful poem in Ecclesiastes 3 came to mind when I read your title, Peter. I am always amazed at how God likes to work in contrasts. I see it all around me. I wrote a poem about it some time ago to express my deep hurt over things in my own life. I wrote how I thought God was like an arsonist—burning down everything I held dear, but then I realized that God is no arsonist—He’s a Refiner. It’s not a consuming fire but a refining one, and as a Refiner, He never takes his eyes off the fire or the metal. It’s a great comfort to know that, but when you’re in it, it’s hard to see the expected end. Peter probably thought his failure was epic…thought he’d never recover, but it served its intended purpose. Never again would he boast in himself. Going forward, especially after Pentecost, he knew that his strength was from God alone. His pride and self-reliance was stripped away and his love for Christ was purified. Yep, I’d say that was a good (and necessary) breakdown and build up. Great article for us today, Peter. Thanks for reminding us that the process of sanctification, though often painful, is a necessary part of our journey. Grace and peace to you and all my friends here.
hsnpoor on May 9, 2016 at 11:20 am
That is beautiful! Not an arsonist, but a Refiner. I love that! I don’t know where you live, but if you have opportunity, seek out a “working” silversmith and ask if you could visit to watch him/her work. It is an amazingly boring and painstaking operation of doing the same thing over & over & over (heating the metal, cooling it, molding it, etc.). After so long, I asked him how do you know when the process is complete? The answer was “when I can see my image in the metal.” Lesson learned!
gagirllive on May 9, 2016 at 11:32 am
I have seen that, hsnpoor! Amen…It’s amazing!
hsnpoor on May 9, 2016 at 4:43 pm
gagirlive, I was in a Bible Study where it came up because of so many times in scripture where it talks about being purified by fire & burning off the dross, etc. We all realized we had no clue what that really meant in actuality and then we got the big idea to go to a gold or silversmith and I agreed to go in one of those “Here I am, send me” moments. I’m so glad I did! It is quite amazing, indeed! Never known of anyone else who shared that particular adventure…:)!
gagirllive on May 9, 2016 at 4:56 pm
Yes, ma’am…I visited one of those Colonial Times reenactment places and there was a silversmith there! It impacted me so much that afterwards I had to do a Bible study on it. I did Kay Arthur’s As Silver Refined.
sandy229 on May 9, 2016 at 11:26 am
This reminds me of the song, “Refiners Fire”, my hearts one desire is to be Holy, set apart for you Lord.
peter chin on May 9, 2016 at 10:49 pm
Wonderful – a Refiner, not an Arsonist!
sandy229 on May 10, 2016 at 9:41 am
I never really understood that song before until you mentioned this. I think I remember seeing this on TV on an episode of “How it’s done” but I never really understood this until you mentioned it. Thank you.
sandy229 on May 10, 2016 at 9:45 am
I meant to say I never thought of it that way. I understand but I really like the way you put that. I was thinking about that all day…not an arsonist, a refiner. I really liked the way you put that.
gagirllive on May 10, 2016 at 9:52 am
Thanks, Sandy. That perspective has helped me know and trust God’s heart toward me on some very dark days. I’m glad the thought blesses you too!
doctor-perspective on May 9, 2016 at 8:18 am
One of the differences between Peter and Jesus is that, like us, we can’t see the future. On the other hand, God sees and knows our past, present and future as though it were all one fact. Put another way, we read a book, one word at a time. God “reads” one book at a time.
Luke 22:31-34 is one of the passages that sets the stage for Matthew 26:69-76. Peter did not know that he could sink so low as to deny Jesus, the same Jesus that he boasted he would die for. Interestingly, Jesus demonstrated that his love for, and commitment to Peter was in the context of his knowledge that Peter would deny Him. Equally interestingly is that Peter’s boast, through his own strength, was transformed into a prophecy, through the power of the Holy Spirit, and he did eventually die for Jesus Christ.
Oh that we would remember that at our lowest levels, in our most shameful betrayals of Jesus in thought, word and deed, God’s love for us and commitment to us, has already factored in our worst sins. Should we weep bitterly? Yes! For how shall we who are dead to sin, live any longer therein! (Romans 6:2) Should we weep hopelessly, dejectedly and in defeat? No! Jesus is saying, “I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:32)
gagirllive on May 9, 2016 at 9:00 am
Amen, doctor-perspective! Wonderful insights…Jesus has already factored in our worst sins! Oh to abide in this unconditional and overcoming love!
sandy229 on May 9, 2016 at 10:55 am
Good to see you again!! We have missed you in ODB.
hsnpoor on May 9, 2016 at 11:22 am
Amen & Amen!
godlove on May 9, 2016 at 8:33 am
What a trasnformation: from being afraid to admit who he was in front of servant girls to boldly testifying before the Sanhedrin. I guess there can’t be better New Testament examples of how God can use even the least “worthy-looking” for His service than those of the apostles Paul and Peter. These examples are very encouraging to me during times when I feel downcast by my own spiritual setbacks. It’s comforting to know that God never gives up on me, even when I’m completely broken down, he’s ready to build me up if only I surrender myself to Him. I guess this is also a lesson to be a lot more patient and continue encouraging those who are deep in struggle. Thanks Peter.
gagirllive on May 9, 2016 at 9:07 am
So true, godlove. It is a comfort to know that our spiritual struggles are common to man. The Bible holds the record of deeply flawed Christians like us who found help and hope in Jesus Christ. Can we ever find a friend so faithful such as He?!!
sandy229 on May 9, 2016 at 11:21 am
Yes, this is so true, even though I did surrender myself completely to Him, there is one thing I have been going through that I didn’t even realize how it was affecting my relationship with God because it’s not a sin to do what I have been doing but the sin part comes when I let it start to control me and not let God decide what is best for me. Also time I could be spending doing something God wants me to do instead of doing other things that prevent me from reading God’s word and studying God’s word.
hsnpoor on May 9, 2016 at 11:26 am
Wouldn’t happen to be a little 2-letter word that begins with T & ends with V, is it?…:) Just kidding, Sandy….I don’t expect an answer. But, for what it’s worth, I struggle with that particular time waster. Not so much since I started BSF, but my last BSF class is tomorrow night and I’m concerned that I may lapse back into that “non-sin”?
sandy229 on May 9, 2016 at 12:27 pm
lol, no, not TV.
sandy229 on May 9, 2016 at 12:51 pm
Actually Kim, let me just add spending more time doing something else in excess that takes my time away from time I could be spending with God could turn into a stronghold. I know you know that already, but I just wanted to clarify.
hsnpoor on May 9, 2016 at 4:11 pm
Understood!
gagirllive on May 9, 2016 at 11:37 am
Praise God for your sensitivity and responsiveness to the Spirit’s correction, Sandy! Even “good” things can become strongholds that steal away our attention and affection from Christ if we’re not careful.
sandy229 on May 9, 2016 at 12:53 pm
Yes, Amen!!
peter chin on May 9, 2016 at 10:55 pm
You’re very welcome, thank you for your wonderful reflections!
sandy229 on May 9, 2016 at 10:54 am
Thanks Peter for your once again timely devotion. Gods timing is always perfect and flawless. As I pray each day to be the person God created me to be, there is something I have been struggling with and now I know it is a stronghold that is preventing me from being the disciple God wants me to be. I have been praying about this, but I didn’t realize it was preventing me to be the Christian woman God created me to be, and even interfering with my relationship with God.
godlove on May 9, 2016 at 12:58 pm
sandy, I pray that you may find strength in the Almighty to overcome your stumbling block. We all have them and I pray everyday to overcome mine as well. I believe that He reigns and He continues working in us by the power of the Holy Spirit to transform us into becoming true sons and daughters, and worthy co-heirs with Jesus.
hsnpoor on May 9, 2016 at 11:40 am
Interestingly enough, our Sunday School lesson yesterday was about the conversion of the Apostle Paul, which is part of the scripture to read in conjunction with this devotion today. It occurred to me that of all the things I’ve prayed regarding the rise of ISIS, I’ve never prayed for a miraculous intervention by God. This morning I prayed that God would raise up a “Saul/Paul” in the ranks of ISIS.
gagirllive on May 9, 2016 at 11:50 am
Amen, sister! He very well may be doing that. I know that wherever the devil is working, God is already in the midst of it. Hosts may be against us, but the LORD of Hosts is for us! I’ve come to see that the “setbacks” that we experience, whether in nations or in our personal lives, are really “set-ups”. God is behind the scenes setting up His Kingdom plan and purposes. He rules!
hsnpoor on May 9, 2016 at 4:14 pm
Amen, my sister, Amen!!
sandy229 on May 9, 2016 at 12:18 pm
Actually there are some of ISIS that have turned their life over to God, and became martyrs for the sake of Christ. Their life was cut short when ISIS retaliated by chopping their head off which is what they are doing to so many Christians in Syria and Iraq. Prayer is very powerful and I have been praying for them on occasion also but I know I need to pray about this more.
jim spillane on May 9, 2016 at 12:28 pm
Peter and all – obviously, a very thought-provoking devotional this morning. Lots of wonderful comments to ponder also. If I might chime in here, in regards to Peter and his triple denial of Jesus, I’m also reminded of John 21:15-19 which tells us how Peter regained some of his lost confidence in himself in the words that Jesus used to help him, which He repeated three times to Peter as a reminder and a forgiveness, “feed my sheep, and follow me.” On another point, I agree that we have a strong tendency to try to wrestle with God when it comes to giving up what we think is good, so that God can give us something better, and then wrestling again by trying to hold on to our better, when He’s trying to give us His best. We often seem to get too complacent and too comfortable with where we are and don’t want to give up what we have and take the next step of faith. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. Isaiah 55:8. Blessings to all who visit here today.
hsnpoor on May 10, 2016 at 12:31 pm
Good & very true observation, Jim…. I hope to be reminded of it the next time I find myself tussling with the Lord