Faith!

As the disciples walked with Jesus, their faith continued to grow. There was a need for Jesus to instill faith in them in the discipling process because the time would come when He would no longer be with them in the flesh. Though their faith may have been strong when He was in their midst, how strong would they stand alone? They could not have Jesus' faith. There was the need to develop a strong PERSONAL FAITH in Jesus and in the power of God to work in and through them. On one occasion, Jesus had even prayed for the faith of Peter.

We read. . .
"(31) 'Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, (32) but I HAVE PRAYED FOR YOU THAT YOUR FAITH MAY NOT FAIL. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.' (33) Peter said to him, 'Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.' (34) Jesus said, 'I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.'" ( Luke 22:31-34 ESV)

Peter! You've got to love him. He meant so well. There is no question that he loved the Lord. He was very devoted to Him. However, Peter was not quite as strong as he thought he was. What an encouragement this was for Peter to later look back on, knowing the Lord had prayed for him; praying that his faith would not fail. When Peter did struggle -- when he did deny the Lord -- Jesus wanted him to remember the door of return was still open. Peter did not deny and depart. Rather he humbly grew in his faith as he learned to look beyond himself.

Others cannot give us their faith, whether that be our parents, youth leaders, preachers, spouses, etc. They can MODEL it like Jesus did for His disciples. They can draw attention to its qualities. (i.e. Luke 7:9) They can ENCOURAGE and NURTURE it. But it must become ours for us to stand steadfast and unmovable in our devotion to Christ and the Will of God. When we do struggle, let us remember we can return to continue growing in it still more.

Have a great day CONTINUING PERSONAL GROWTH IN STEADFAST FAITH!
Carl

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