Matthew 26:31-35 "I Will Never..."

Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written:
“‘I will strike the shepherd,  and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” 
Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” 
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” 
But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same. 

 It started with Peter, then all the others joined in, "I will never..."  But in the end, they did.  Peter did, and the rest did as well. They did what they said they would never do.

This does make me stop and think.  Where am I deceived?  What am I capable of?  What remains in me that the enemy could exploit?

I don't suppose very many addicts started out thinking they would ever be addicts.  I don't guess very many murderers intended to be murderers.  Most leaders who experience moral failure never intended to have a moral failure. 

Whatever the sin, when it comes to the biggies, we would all like to think that we will never go there or do that.  And it seems that just making the declaration, "I will never..." is not a very effective preventative.  So, how do we guard against doing those things that we don't want to do -or perhaps against those things we kind of want to do but know we shouldn't do?  How do we lessen the risk?

I think maybe it starts with coming out of denial.  Obviously we (as humans) are capable of every kind of evil.  And we (as individual Christians) are capable of pretty much anything other people are capable of.  Just admitting that it could happen increases our ability to prevent it.

Admitting our vulnerability puts us in a good position to humbly seek God's provision.  When I understand that I am at risk, I am in a good position to actually ask Father, "What is the plan?  How can I stay connected to You in such a way that keeps me safe from the enemy's schemes?"  Clearly, I am at much greater risk when I am relying on my own strength and my own best thinking.

On my own, I am weak and vulnerable and and easy target -even when I feel strong and invulnerable. On the other hand, when I humbly admit my weakness and trust in Father's provision, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."

So, Father, today show me Your plan.  Help me not to rely on my own thinking, rather, to trust You and follow You closely -one step behind You, walking where You walk.  Amen.