Owning Our Weaknesses

“’Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat.  But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.’  But he replied, ‘Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.’  Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.’” (Luke 22:31-34 NIV)

It is a common human failing that we try to present our best face even though, deep down, we know what we are putting out there is far from the truth.  It’s a pride thing.  We do not want people to know who we truly are, so, when given the opportunity, we attempt to present a more favorable impression.  Like Peter did.

Peter wanted to impress the Lord with his bravery and commitment. When Jesus warned of his impending struggles, Peter’s response was to counter Him with a tale of his “unto death” commitment.  Jesus didn’t buy it; instead telling Peter directly that he would soon deny he even knew Him.  

When I am counseling dating couples, I will often ask them about their physical relationship.   Typically, they try to downplay their struggles.  I recall one couple telling me they were doing okay in that area, but later admitted they were often in bed together.  

The problem with our pride is it attempts to cover up who we really are, and, thus, makes us weaker and more vulnerable to falling.  Jesus knew that and so gave Peter the opportunity to acknowledge His weakness.  Instead, Peter decided to hold onto his pride and put on a brave face.  However, Jesus wouldn’t stand for it and confronted him with the truth.  Interestingly, Peter is silent after that.  I think He knew Jesus had exposed him and there was nothing more to say.

No doubt that awhile later, when the rooster crowed (Luke 22:60), Peter was devastated and humbled.  But as a result, he became a man who relied on the strength of the Lord.  He became a man who instead of boasting about himself, boasted about the Lord and his need for Him.

In order for us to truly become the men and women God created us to be, we need to own our weaknesses rather than denying them for the sake of our pride.  The quicker we do that, the stronger we will be.

Today, consider in what ways you are trying to hide your weaknesses. Owning up to them is much better than suffering the humiliating fate Peter did.  He learned the hard way.  You don’t have to.

© Jim Musser 2016