“For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him!” (Isaiah 64:4 nlt)
Jesus’ retreat to the Garden of Gethsemane began a bad stretch of time for the apostle Peter. First, he fell asleep on his watch after Jesus asked him to stay alert. Second, according to John 18:10, when Jesus’ enemies came to arrest Him, “Then Simon Peter drew a sword and slashed off the right ear of Malchus, the high priest’s slave” (nlt). And then, later that same night, when he was recognized as one of Jesus’ followers, Peter denied even knowing Jesus—not once, not twice, but three times.
Can you identify with a guy like that? I know that it’s sometimes hard to imagine what God is up to in your life.You see a blank canvas, but God sees a finished painting. You see a piece of coal, but God sees a refined diamond. You see an untalented person, but God sees a mighty man or woman of God.
This is also true of those we see in Scripture. We see an impetuous, impulsive Simon, but God sees a strong,decisive apostle named Peter. We see a conniving, manipulative Jacob, but God sees a godly, trusting man named Israel. Wesee a young, naïve Joseph, but the Lord sees a brilliant, wise world leader. And when it was all said and done, Joseph wasable to look back and say to his brothers, “You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20 nkjv). Herecognized that God used what happened to him to mold him into a compassionate, forgiving leader of many. He was clayin the Potter’s hands. He trusted in the Lord.
God specializes in making something out of nothing. I wonder what He’s doing with you right now. You’re a workin progress, and He isn’t finished yet. If you’re still alive and reading this, God has more work to do in your life! Most artistsdon’t like someone looking over their shoulders, trying to second-guess what they’re about to do. “Wait until I’m done,” they’ll say, “and then you’ll see.”
So, trust in the Lord during those times when it’s hard to see what He’s doing. Don’t allow the hardships you face to make you a bitter person. It’s time to let go of that. Rather, allow them to make you a better person.
Isaiah 64:4 says, “For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him!” (nlt).
That night in Gethsemane was hardly the end of Peter’s story. After Jesus rose from the grave and ascended back to Heaven, Peter became one of the key leaders of the early Christian church, boldly proclaiming the gospel throughout the Roman Empire and beyond.
No matter what your past is like, and no matter where you are in your Christian journey, God has something important planned for you.
Reflection question: What evidence do you see in your life of God’s ability to make you a better person?
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Greg Laurie is the pastor and founder of the Harvest churches in California and Hawaii and of Harvest Crusades. He is an evangelist, best-selling author, and movie producer. His latest film ‘Jesus Revolution,’ from Lionsgate and Kingdom Story Company, is now available on-demand worldwide.
For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org
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