So it is officially final.....I will be going back into school today to work on my room. I had hoped to be in there by 9 but I am dragging my feet. I am starting to feel that knot of "needing" to be in 2 places at once! I am finding lots of little things that need attention here while feeling that I need to bite the bullet and leave for my classroom. I hate that "tug of war" feeling!
Funny how my quiet time in Matthew 16 was about the same topic! Peter is one that I can't wait to meet in heaven because I so can relate to him! His life is an example of the dichotomy of being a Christian. Once you have accepted Christ as your Savior you have the Holy Spirit inside. However, the new you is still surrounded by the flesh...the habits/personality/choices of the person you were prior. Talk about a Tug of War!!!!!
New Testament has several examples of Peter's tug of war between his spiritual and his flesh. Matthew 16:16 demonstrates Peter having divine knowledge of who Jesus truly was. But yet in a short time(vs 21-23) Jesus refers to him as Satan when Peter was acting out of his flesh. Peter was trying to correct Jesus about His near future death. I love how the authors gave us these examples to learn from. How many times have we thought we were a little more than we are and would be able to control an outcome of events?
Luke 22:31-34 is another similar encounter but combined with Matthew 16:17-19 are a soothing balm to my stressed soul today!!! Jesus knew Peter and that he would definitely screw up AND still prays for him. Not only that He wants Peter to use it to "strengthen the brethren"! Jesus also foretells of Peter's important role in Jesus' ministry spreading. I may never be as important as Peter but I still have a role to play despite how many times I screw up. Plus I need to be vulnerable to use my hurts/mistakes to help others through life.
I also know that it's up to me to feed the spirit more so it will win MOST of the battles over my flesh! Today was one of those battles and I am really glad I sat down with my Bible before heading to school! I truly needed the lesson on Peter today! So it's 11:20 now and finally time to get up and get to school. At least the knot in my stomach is gone!
