5 Lessons we learn from Peter
Peter is one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. He was a fisherman on the Sea of Galilee. Peter was popularly known as the disciple who denied Jesus. Not only that, but Jesus sternly corrects Peter more than any of the other disciples.
Peter was an ordinary person just as we are. He was busy in his fishing career when Jesus calls him, and he responds immediately to Jesus’ call. Peter alongside other Apostles and followers of Christ contributed to the exponential growth in the early Church.
The good news is that Jesus is still at work in the lives of ordinary people today. Here are some lessons we can learn from Peter and apply in our lives.
God can use anyone
We see Jesus calling his disciples while walking along the sea of Galilee. He was not searching for prominent people. He chose fishermen to be in his team. He could have looked for the mighty and learned people according to human standards. This reminds us that we are important to Jesus just the way we are. God only requires us to be obedient and He will qualify us for the task he calls us for. Let us not underrate ourselves in service to God. We are highly treasured by God.
We should respond immediately God calls us
God always talks to us as we go about our day to day activities. This was the same for Peter. He was busy fishing, a career like the ones we have today. Come, follow me, Jesus said, and I will send you out to fish for people. At once they left their nets and followed him. Matthew 4:18-19. Jesus calls us to follow Him and partner with Him in the work He is doing. We may be busy engrossed in our careers, business engagements, and other responsibilities. However, we need to always have the bigger picture in mind which is to seek after building God’s kingdom which will last forever.
God desires a relationship with us
Did Jesus call Peter to follow Him because he needed the company? Not really. He wanted Peter to have an intimate relationship with Him. To get closer to God, we need to make time to build that relationship. It is not enough to just believe in God, we need to invest and be close to Him. We can do this through fellowship, prayer, and reading the word. This will help us understand the wisdom of God and we will become more effective in our Christian calling.
We should live by faith and not doubt
Do you remember when Peter walked on water to be with Jesus in Matthew 14:22-33? Peter was always bold. However, when Jesus tells him to walk on water he does, then shortly when a strong wind blows, he fears and starts sinking. In the same way, our focus might be diverted from Christ to the storms of life. Challenges are a normal part of life. When our attention shifts from faith to fear, we too start sinking. May we remember that God is always with us despite the challenges we face.
Repentance should lead to change
Peter denied Jesus three times. One may wonder why, yet he was in Jesus’ inner circle. And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly. Matthew 26:75. We see that Peter felt remorseful, sorrowful and he repented. Our repentance should lead to change. Repentance is more than just being sorry. It is the process of asking for forgiveness and making a commitment to turning away from your sin.
Prayer
Father, thank you for inviting us to partner with you in winning souls. Help us to heed to your call on our lives and to trust in you to accomplish that which you have purposed to do in our lives. Thank you for promising to be with us as we serve you. We yield ourselves to you that you may use us for your glory. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.