Reflections

“And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, ‘Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.’ And when he thought thereon, he wept.” (Mark 14:72)

We can catch glimpses of ourselves in a mirror, glass window, shiny piece of metal or pool of water. As you stand gazing at the reflection of yourself, what do you see? The scar from childhood? Blemishes? Time for a touch-up? The image you see is only a reflection of who you are. The decision for renewal is yours to make, for the inward you—the real you to shine through.

As you reflect on the past, are there memories that “haunt” you? Some things you did or said that you now regret? You can’t undo the past so, you either seek forgiveness, cleansing, and press forward in your walk with the Lord, or you remain “as is” and wallow in self-pity. The apostle Peter chose to move forward after his failure and became a bold, powerful proclaimer of the message of Christ (Acts 2).

As you reflect on the present, do you concern yourself with “what ifs”? What if I lose my job? What if I do not have enough money saved? What if . . .? Getting bogged down with “what ifs” can be a “joy-killer.” Jesus said there are enough things to deal with today; leave tomorrow for tomorrow (Matthew 6:34). God knows our needs and will care for us.

As you contemplate the future, are you nervous, worried, or fretting? Even though Paul knew he would be bound and even die when he entered Jerusalem, his co-workers could dissuade him; they finally resolved the Lord was in control (Acts 21:10–14).

As you press forward in your walk with the Lord, will you face today and your future with the resolve, “Lord, not my will but Yours be done?” The decision is yours.