When Good Intentions Aren’t Enough
Have you ever made a promise with complete sincerity, only to discover later you couldn’t keep it? You didn’t intend to deceive; you just didn’t understand your own limits.
When I was a young teenager—back when gasoline cost less than twenty-five cents a gallon—I believed God was calling me to join a mission trip to Mexico. The cost was $300, a small fortune to me and more than some adults earned in a month. I had no idea where the money would come from. Then, just twenty-four hours before the trip, the entire amount appeared from an unknown source.
After witnessing that miracle, I wanted to be part of one. So, when someone described a need in a poor fishing town in Baja, I eagerly pledged $100—an enormous promise for a teenager in the early 1970s.
The Director looked at me and asked, “Really?”
Without hesitation, but with some doubt, I replied, “God willing!” I was willing, but I didn’t have the resources and, regrettably, wasn’t committed enough to raise it upon returning home.
I identify with the disciple Peter. He was willing to sacrifice everything for his Lord, but he didn’t know he lacked the depth of conviction and the maturity of faith to make good on his promise. Jesus tells his disciples he was going where no one could follow. But undaunted, Peter pledged to go all the way for Jesus. John 13:36-38 (NLT) records,
“Simon Peter asked, ‘Lord, where are you going?’
And Jesus replied, ‘You can’t go with me now, but you will follow me later.’
‘But why can’t I come now, Lord?’ he asked. ‘I’m ready to die for you.’
Jesus answered, ‘Die for me? I tell you the truth, Peter—before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.’”
Peter believed he was strong, courageous and ready to die for the Lord—but like a brash youth, he hadn’t really been tested. Jesus told him that his hour of testing was coming. He would, indeed, die for the Lord, but not this time.
How thankful I am that Jesus was neither condescending nor judgmental toward Peter. Jesus simply stated the fact—Peter was going to deny even knowing his Lord. Peter was tested and failed but repented and was forgiven (see Luke 22:61–62 and John 21:15–18).
Approximately 35 years later, Peter made good on his promise. The Roman Emperor Nero had him crucified.
Peter was not chosen by Jesus because he was good enough, strong enough, mature enough, or rich enough; he was—and you are—chosen and made new by God’s mercy and grace. That’s it!
If you’re haunted by promises you haven’t kept, realize that Jesus knows you, accepts you, died and lives again for you. He forgives you and will empower you. However,
Today, ask Jesus to help you make good on your promises!
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