When the world came against Peter he quickly gave up what he believed for what he felt. He gave into his fears instead of standing on his faith. Yet after the ascension of Jesus and the Day of Pentecost, we see a different Peter. Now filled with the Holy Spirit, he overflows with what he believes. His fears are taken into obedience in Christ. Even when standing before the powerful Sanhedrin. Once frightened by a servant girl, now Peter is able to speak from his place of eternal overflow:
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Acts 4: 8-10
Filled with the Holy Spirit! Now the once frightened Apostle is standing up to people who could have had him imprisoned or killed. His faith is now firm in the eternal, not what he sees or feels. His joy is unspeakable and his peace is secure. The same is available to us as believers too. We just have to realize that it is not by our might but by His Spirit (Zechariah 4:6) that we can do anything, believe anything, and have our hope truly overflow. Trust in Him and let Him fill you today to that glorious overflow.
Reverend Anthony Wade March 16, 2010
