By Pastor Brian Helfrich
Reflecting on the message “Burn the Boats” taught by Pastor Lizzy, it brought to remembrance some things I have been studying in my personal time with God. I am currently reading through Acts. The wild transformation of Peter shows what can be done for the Kingdom of God, should we never look back. It is always easy to shrink back to the comfortable place of where we have been. We find safety there. And even if it is not comfortable in that safe spot, it is usually not bad enough for us to want to go through the uncomfortable feeling to change. We fall into complacency, which is a dangerous place to be. We are in a place that does not feel dangerous, and we let our guard down. This was not the case for Peter.
Peter was one of the disciples in Jesus’ close circle of friends. He saw great miracles done by Jesus, as well as his own hands. He was a fisherman by trade when Jesus called him to follow and become a disciple. Fishing was Peter’s trade; his comfortable place. You see, Jesus spoke to Peter in his language; thereby, making him a fisher of men. As soon as Peter said yes to “the call,” he would never be the same again.
Peter would quickly see the miraculous works of Jesus, as one of the first places they went was to Peter’s home where Jesus healed his Mother-in-law. (Mark 1:30-31) On another occasion, he witnessed Jesus drive out evil spirits. Talk about an uncomfortable place. All of these experiences of faith led to Peter’s ultimate “walking on water” moment, bringing him to the close and personal relationship with our Savior.
There were moments when Peter seemed to have more faith in his surroundings than in Jesus. Even after momentarily walking on water, his focus went back to things surrounding him. When Jesus was being arrested, Peter took out a sword and cut off one of the soldier’s ears. Then at another time, Peter denied Jesus three times just as prophecy had foretold. Fortunately, that was not the end of the story. Things were just about to turn around in a huge way.
After Jesus’ ascended into heaven, Peter waited in Jerusalem for the promise of the Holy Spirit as told by Jesus. When the Holy Spirit came down with a mighty wind, all the disciples, as well as the remaining individuals, began to speak in other tongues. Being filled with the Holy Spirit, a Holy fire was lit inside of Peter, in which could not be quenched. A new boldness had come upon him. He was no longer concerned about himself or his surroundings, but was willing to do whatever it took to be obedient to the call God on his life. He began laying hands on people with infirmities, and they were healed. He was then arrested and brought in front of the Sanhedrin, where he faced much persecution being arrested several times. After Peter refused to stop preaching, he was then jailed a final time in which an angel had to release him. It didn’t matter what they did to try to stop Peter, he was going to move forward in the call of God on his life no matter what; even if that meant death.
Peter knew that the call of God on his life depended on his obedience, so he continued a ministry to evangelize the Jews. He was a key figures in the Book of Acts. He would eventually be put to death through crucifixion for his continued preaching to the Jews. His final request, according to tradition, was that the Roman soldiers would crucify him upside down as he did not feel worthy to be put to death in the same manner as Jesus, his Lord and Savior.
The same kind of transformation that happened to Peter can happen to you and I. It is all about having a “never give up” attitude. If we focus on where we are going and not where we have been, it is amazing to see what God can do through us as we pursue the perfect will of God for our lives.
All Christians have a call of God on our lives in one form or another. The Christian life is not a spectator sport. The only question is “Are you willing to follow Him?” The story of your life includes victories and struggles. It includes good times and bad times. Parts of your story make you smile in remembrance. Other parts of your story may make you cringe, wanting to forget all about them. Each part of your story helps identify your strengths and weaknesses. You have natural gifts and talents that are needed in the Body of Christ. The most important thing about your story is that you have decided to follow Jesus. Your sins have been forgiven, and you have a future With the Savior of the World in Heaven. When we spend time in prayer seeking His will and call for our lives, God will begin speaking directions to you. When you start following these directions step by step, the Lord will start leading you into the place within His Body that you are called to. Every person’s call is different. Don’t worry if your call does not look the same as someone else. We are all different and unique. God will use that to our advantage.
‘For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. ‘ Jeremiah 29:11
As I conclude, I here are some practical ways to begin walking into your call. When you pray and seek the call of God on your life, ask Him to give you a revelation of who you truly are in Christ. Allow the Holy Spirit to show you things about yourself that you have never noticed before. Draw close to Jesus, and He will draw close to you. Trust that God knows what He is doing, and has good plans for your life. Obediently follow the Holy Spirit for wisdom and direction. Be willing to let go of anything that has the opportunity to distract, derail, or destroy the call of God on your life. Give God your best in regards to time, efforts, and focus. Continue to grow in Christ every day. Read the Word daily with a teachable spirit. Chase after God with all of your heart. Pray for courage to follow Jesus wherever he calls you. If you do these things consistently, your life will never be the same! God loves you, and has huge plans for you. Are you willing to be part of those plans?