Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 23-24; Luke 22:31-53.
Memory Verse: “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” Luke 22:32 (KJV)
Faith is defined by Webster as “the assent of the mind to the truth of what is declared by another, resting on his authority and veracity, without other evidence” This is well summarized in Hebrews 11:1 (KJV), “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Faith could be in yourself, something or someone. Peter exhibited faith in himself while speaking with the Lord Jesus in Luke 22:33 (KJV), “And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.” However, a trial of faith in his ability in Luke 22:54-60; showed how he failed woefully as Jesus had prophesied in Luke 22:34. It shows that faith in self ability cannot stand the test of time. However, after the Holy Ghost came upon him in Acts 2:1-4; his faith was no longer in his ability but by the power of the Holy Ghost and he was no longer boasting in his strength but now in the Lord Jesus. Thereafter, God won three thousand souls to Christ through his first preaching as shown in Acts 2:38-41.
His faith in Christ got stronger as he preached the gospel and fellowshipped with other disciples in Christ such that when the high priest and his kindred put him and John in their midst and asked them in what name they healed the lame man at the Beautiful gate, Peter did not hesitate to answer them in Acts 4:8-10 (KJV), “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, [9] If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; [10] Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.”
When the high priest and his council saw the boldness by which Peter and John spoke, they were bordered that the gospel would spread fast . They therefore threatened and commanded them not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John insisted they would rather hearken unto God! ( Acts 4:19-21). Furthermore, they went to report the position to other disciples and they all prayed for boldness, power, sign and wonders and God answered them as they were filled again with the Holy Ghost!
Peter, who denied Jesus when confronted by a maid ( Luke 22:56-57) is the same man that withstood the threat to his life by the high priest and council of elders and went further to embolden other disciples because his faith is now in Christ and he has the power of the Holy Spirit! Thus the prayer of the Lord Jesus for Peter in Luke 22:32 (KJV) “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” was answered!
The faith of every disciple of Christ will be tested. It could be in your place of work, at home, on the field while ministering or even in the church! What is important is that your faith should be in Christ and you should strengthen yourself daily by studying the word of God, fellowshipping with Christ regularly and living a life of obedience to God, then you can count on God’s word through prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 43:2 (KJV), “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.”
Prayer point: Lord Jesus, please pray for me as you prayed for Peter.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero