If Peter Can Start Over, So Can We

There is a popular saying that 'the best predictor of future behaviour is your past behaviour.'

If that is the case then we all might as well throw away all the goals, resolutions, declarations and confessions we make each year. Can this really be your year of expansion? Can you really start each New Year afresh?

The key to resolving this dilemma is to learn some biblical principles about how to make resolutions that really matter - It is the only way to REALLY start over.

The disciple Peter's life can teach us a lot about starting over. We can all see ourselves in Peter-- One day he is on fire and the next day, cold as ice. One day he trusts God in all he does and the next day he denies Him.

You would think that being a disciple and being in Christ's presence intimately, Peter would have an advantage - you'd think that he would 'get it'

Yet Peter was a walking contradiction sometimes. He loved Christ and chose to follow Him, yet, he denied Him (Mark 14:66-72); he sank when he took his eyes off Him (Mt. 14:28); he was impulsive (Mt. 17:24-27 and the list can go on and on about the inconsistencies in Peter’s behaviours. I’m sure, like us he often wondered if he would ever get it right—if he would continue to frustrate himself for the rest of his life.

However, fast-forward to the book of Acts and we begin to see a different Peter emerging. People begin to take notice of his boldness and change in character. (Acts 4:13).  The Spirit of God becomes so strong in Peter that his shadow alone has the power to heal people (Acts 5:16) Peter went on to become a recognized leader among Jesus’ disciples.

So, the answer to the original question, ‘can we really start over’ is a resounding YES!  As we learn with Peter (and ourselves), it’s not always an easy process and it's not instantaneous but it is possible.

Jesus accepted Peter in spite of his failures and Peter went on to do great things for the kingdom.

So how do we apply this to our goal setting in 2010? Whether your goal is weight loss, starting a fitness program, decreasing your sugar intake or any other goal, follow these simple but powerful steps:

• Keep alert and pray ( Matt. 26:40)
• Rely on God and God alone only to help your reach your goals ( Acts 2:25-28)

Peter may not have known the type of man he would develop into but God knew. He called Peter a rock and declared that He would build His church upon him (Matt. 16:18). The same holds true for us--Know and believe that while we may feel stuck and frustrated, God knows our future and He will also do great things for us as he did for Peter.

So go into 2010 knowing that despite your past failures and set-backs, God will help you reach all of your goals. 

Cathy Morenzie
Rhema Health and Wellness