The heart is deceitful above all things … Jeremiah 17:9
God is at work in our lives. A big part of His work is getting us to the place where we can be honest with ourselves.
Now I believe that Peter really thought he was ready to follow Christ to prison and to death. His heart deceived him. Satan came along desiring to sift the disciples like wheat. Although Satan’s intentions were evil, God allowed some sifting to take place so that Peter could look at himself honestly and see what was really there.
Even when we think that we really know ourselves, we are sometimes surprised. It has taken me 20-30 years to face the truth about myself in some areas. And, no doubt, more layers will be peeled back later. For example, when I’m yelling at my wife and she turns to me and says, "Now who are you really angry at?"
Ouch!
But she’s right. I thought I was angry with her, but I often discover that my anger had nothing to do with her. She was just the target. Now I have a mess to clean up, but I also have a new door in my heart to open to Jesus.
That’s why this work of God is so important. As long as we lie to ourselves about who we really are, we can’t be honest with God. But when God, who sees us as we really are, shines the light of truth on us, and who we really are is exposed, then what was hidden from our eyes can now be given to Jesus. And there we become safe, we become strong, and we become pure.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
Dwight Clough is the author of four Christian books and is an active member of Lake City Church in Madison. This devotional is also available via email and you may review the archives back to 2002. To contact Dwight or Kim, use their contact form. You may also support their ministry.