Why do I do this sometimes?

Talking to a friend the other day, I was reminded once again of how imperfect we are and how much we need Jesus. We need Him every second of every day!

I seek to do what’s right, read my Bible daily, love like Jesus, and live the lessons that God has continued to teach me my entire life.

I desire to live a life that pleases God! It’s embedded deep in my heart.

Does this desire come from the many struggles, mistakes, and the understanding of our imperfections? I believe it does. I also know that God will continue to teach me until I take my last breath. He will for all of us! We will never be perfect like Jesus on this side. One day, we will! I long for that day! I know you do too!

My friend shared with me how someone close to her came to her with an attitude of frustration that totally surprised her. It caught her off guard, and the situation escalated quickly. She was more surprised at how quickly she snapped back with words that hurt instead of words of love.

While sharing this with me, I shared this scripture with her: I needed it more than she did! We have to love it when this happens.

Galatians 2:20

“I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

This led to a great conversation about one of my favorite sayings: “It’s not what comes at you, but what comes out of you that shows who you are in Christ.” God told me this one day. I remember this moment, and it humbled me greatly!

She continued, “That is what bothers me. I know without a doubt Christ lives in me, so why do we say mean things sometimes?”

Oh, I felt her pain. I know exactly how she feels, as I have had these same thoughts so often.

I think of Peter, Jesus’ disciple who walked with Him daily.

Mark 14: 27-37

“You will fall away,” Jesus told them, For it is written: “I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered. But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I will not.” “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “Today — yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.” But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the others said the same.”

They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took Peter, James, and John along with him, and He began to be deeply distressed and troubled. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” He said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.”

Going a little farther, He fell to the ground and prayed that if possible, the hour might pass from him. “Abba, Father,” He said, “Everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

Then He returned to His disciples and found them sleeping. “Simon,” He said to Peter, “Are you asleep? Couldn’t you keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

This brings me to when Peter disowns Jesus:

Matthew 26: 69:72

Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said.

But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said.

Then he went out to the gateway, where another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.” He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!”

Matthew 26: 75

Immediately, a rooster crowed.

“Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.

After reflecting on the above scriptures, I think back at the conversation with my friend. I think of the many times in my life when I have spoken in pride when I should have kept my mouth shut. I think of the many moments of doubt when everything wasn’t going my way. I think of the times God asked me to trust Him and walk in obedience when I didn’t want to go that way, but knew I had to and sometimes did with much reservation.

One of the key messages here is that as we seek to be more like Jesus and walk with Him daily, there will be moments like these when we feel so inferior to what Jesus did for all of us. However, there are many scriptures that help us to see clearly, no matter what, God is with us! He will never leave us or forsake us. He loves us deeply and will continue to teach us as we seek to walk with Him and love Him with all of our hearts, minds, and souls. We will never be perfect on this side of heaven, and until we meet Jesus face to face, we can’t be too hard on ourselves, but seek to continue to be more like Him every day. There are times for sure that our flesh is strong and the spirit is weak. However, we also know this:

Romans 8:28

“And we know that all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

Galatians 50:20 tells us:

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

Thank you, Father, for always loving and teaching us that we are nothing without you. We can’t do what you have called us to do without you. The things of the world come in quickly sometimes, and we fail. Like Peter, we grieve over these times. Thank you for forgiving us as we repent and turn quickly back to you. You are the beginning and the end, and we thank you for being our Savior. We can rest in the fact that you will carry us until the very end. Help us to love as you have asked us to and be your light in this dark world. Draw everyone to yourself, and may hearts continue to be changed for Your Glory! Please continue to help us see our weaknesses and correct us when we are wrong. Help us finish our journey of faith with you by our side and never looking away from you. Thank you for choosing us! May we continue to long to hear the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.

Stay strong, friends! Don’t be so hard on yourselves. Jesus loves you!

Always Believe and Never Give Up! John 11:40

Martha Gayle ❤