It’s liberating to come to the point where we realize that we can do nothing apart from Christ.

‘For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.’ (Romans 7:18)

It is a relief to realize that all God expects of us is failure! We are usually slow to come to that discovery. Peter was confident of his own ability when he told Jesus on the night of His betrayal, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you’ (Matthew 26:35). As we know, within hours of his promise to Jesus, he had disowned Him three times. At this, ‘he went outside and wept bitterly’ (Matthew 26:75).

In coming to a point of brokenness like that, we discover not only the truth about ourselves, but the truth about Christ. Peter was subdued for some time and hesitant when Christ, having risen from the dead, asked him if he loved Him. But slowly he began to realize that his strength was not in himself, but in God. When a lame man asked for alms, Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you,’ and the man was instantly healed (Acts 3:6). A crowd gathered and Peter asked them, “Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?’ (Acts 3:12). He then explained to them that it was the God of Jesus Christ who was responsible for this miracle. We can rest in that same strength that is bigger than our own, and live an effective and fruitful life in the power of Christ.

Lord, without You I do not have what it takes to be what You want me to be. Thank You for Your strength in my weakness.

Bible in one year: Psalm 55 | Numbers 17-18