A Source of Strength
I spoke about the influence Jesus had with Peter and John in yesterday’s article found here. I love thinking about the contrast between the Peter who denied Jesus three times and the Peter who boldly stood up to the temple leaders a short time later. This is evidence to the power of God, the same power at work in each of us.
The more we are with Jesus, the more we become like Him, walking in His likeness and reflecting the original image of how we were created. The source for this likeness and image is internal, coming from our hearts (the true essence of who we are, not the blood pumping organ beating in our chests). This is where Jesus has the most lasting influence in our lives.
Some may question what I mean by “the more we are with Jesus”. By this, I am referring to actually seeking out the living God in prayer, recognizing His presence in our lives, and looking for Him throughout the day. Does this sound strange to you? The resurrection and the Holy Spirit sounded just as strange to the disciples Jesus taught, but look at the change in Peter.
Acts 4:18-20
Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
Is this the same guy who denied Jesus? Yet he stands before the same people who put Jesus on the cross and speaks boldly for God.
Spending time in prayer and in seeking Jesus changes us at our core level, in the makeup of our spiritual DNA. This creates a new source of strength in our lives we see so evident when Peter speaks to the temple leaders, a strength produced by a great boldness for God.
Proverbs 28:1
The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
The original Hebrew text uses the word for bold in this verse meaning “secure, confident.” When we look at Peter standing before the temple leaders, the boldness is less in defiance and more from a source of strength where Peter is secure and confident. This source of strength comes from knowing Jesus.
You may still be struggling with this concept. So far in life, you have found yourself to be your greatest strength, or you have depended on close friends, family, or other means to be strong. You make your own decisions, you are self-made, and you live the life you have made for yourself. Why do you need Jesus for strength? I used to think this way, too, and fortunately I found the same source of real strength Peter found.
Until you try something different, how do you know what you have is so great? Those who know the Lord are secure in their identity in Christ. They stand confident. Therefore, they have nothing to hide; they can stand before anyone with a clear conscience.
Do you have this confidence? Do you have this source of strength? Are you tough enough to learn more about it?
Look, I’m not claiming to have all the answers, but what I do have I am willing to share with you (which is why you are reading these words). Please email me if you need help or have questions. If you need a telephone call to work through something or just to know someone is praying for you, shoot me an email. You can email me at glenn@sasscer.com. You can also write to me at Glenn Sasscer, PO Box 711, Elmore, Ohio 43416.
If you need help and you are not comfortable contacting me, please contact your local church or pastor. I believe God is concerned with each of us, including you. Find out for yourself.
Glenn Sasscer
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