You’re not ready. When Peter said, “I’m ready to go with you all the way to death,” his declaration was tested – and failed. He wasn’t as ready as he thought. Peter meant what he said in that moment. He felt so strongly that he contested Jesus’ very words-‘You’re wrong, Lord.’
Oh, I’m certain all of us can relate – in the safety of a peaceful environment, we made declarations and meant every word – then trouble hit hard, and there we were on the hot seat, and we bailed. Why? Because God chose to show us through a swift change of events that we weren’t ready. Yet.
Peter meant everything he said that day, but by day’s end, his tune changed, and he meant everything he was saying at that moment, too. The pressure was on, and he wasn’t about “dying” with Jesus. He’d been pointed out as a disciple of Jesus. No. No. NO! No surprise to Jesus. It was exactly as Jesus said just a few hours prior. Peter wasn’t ready. Yet.
As we progress through this thing called Life, we will hit turbulent times. But what is amazing is that not being ready yet means just that, not yet. Jesus didn’t say Peter was of no value. He never told Peter to turn in his discipleship badge. He never gave Peter the “Don’t you talk to me like that” speech. He let things progress so that Peter would find out for himself that Jesus was right.
Not ready yet means there will be a day when your actions will come in alignment with your words. By the time the day of Pentecost came and Peter rose to preach the transformative salvation message of Acts 2:38, we witnessed the processed Peter! He was now ready!
Yes, we will have seasons of unreadiness, when, like Peter, we may speak in the moment of excitement with absolute assurance (minus the heat), but we should take note that when the Lord says, “You’re not Ready,” trust and believe, He knows what He’s talking about. Although we’re not as ready as we think we are, a day is coming when the Lord finishes the work in us, and we will be ready to fulfill all that God has given us to do.
Waiting on God is tough sometimes, especially when you think there’s no better time than the present. But if God is showing you that you aren’t ready yet, take heart. Believe Him and allow Him to work on your heart and mind because you’re not ready. You’re waiting for “yet” to come.
27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.28 But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.29 But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.30 And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.31 But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all. (Mark 14:27-31 KJV)
31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.33 And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.34 And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me. (Luke 22:31-34 KJV)
55 And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.56 But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.57 And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.58 And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.59 And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.60 And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.62 And Peter went out, and wept bitterly. (Luke 22:55-61 KJV)
In the Master’s Service,
Author/Pastor Michele D Robertson
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matthew 11:28-29 (KJV)