I was very unhappy, stuck in the middle seat on a packed international flight. For several weeks my husband, John, and I had been speaking throughout Africa. It had been a wonderful time, but now my body was shutting down. Exhaustion leaked from every pore.
Miserable, I began to think about one of my children. A sense of uneasiness overwhelmed me. In my imagination, I considered a problem this child might have. The more I thought about this, the more anxious I became. “What if” fears raced through my head. Finally, I cried out to the Lord, “Help!” What popped into my head was the phrase, “Remember Me.”
At that moment, I realized my issue had become bigger in my head than my God. I had forgotten who He was, the Messiah, the Son of the Living God, who knows and loves my child even more than I do.
How easy it is to forget who He is or to misunderstand who He is.
In today’s reading, the early followers of Jesus were themselves unsure. One day Jesus posed two questions to His followers: “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” (Matthew 16:13). They responded with a variety of answers which they’d heard along the way. But it is the second question which is the most crucial: “But you?…who do you say that I am?” (v.15). I can almost hear a drumroll as we wait for their answer to this most important question. Simon Peter is quick to respond, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (v.16).
Jesus responds first by telling him that His Father in heaven is the one who has revealed this to him. He goes on to call him Peter. He says that He will build His church upon the truth that Peter has perceived, which is the rock upon which we stand (vv.17–18).
Can you imagine how this affirmation and calling must have been for Peter, even though he did not know what it meant? Peter’s then quickly hits a low. When Jesus explains his coming death, Peter’s response is basically, “no way!” (Mark 8:31–33).
I see myself in Peter. Perhaps you do too. One minute I see Jesus for who He is, I want to follow Him wholeheartedly. I am full of confidence and of faith. But it’s not long before my issues and fears overwhelm my faith. It is easy to forget that He is the Messiah, the Son of the living God. He knows the concerns of my heart.
The good news is that in Jesus’s handling of Peter, He is patient. He knows how weak Peter is, and He alone knows the future for Peter. Growth takes time. God is patient. As He was with Peter, He is very patient with us.
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76 thoughts on "Peter’s Confession of the Messiah"
God, thank you for you patience. ❤️
I shall call upon the Lord and pray for he is good!
He is my perfect God. ❤️
Praying for Gods patience
Amen
What I wouldn’t give for the affirmation in my life that Peter receives!
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Thank you Lord for your patience! I have more fears and anxieties than I know what to do with and I pray you help me give those up to you. Continue to guide me and teach me and help lighten the load on my heart. Amen
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Prayed! I understand the patience.. it’s been hard for me too. I teach kinder.
Prayed!
I teach kinder, I understand the patience issue. I’ve been feeling the same way.
Prayed!
Thank you, Jesus, for being patient with me. Amen.
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Victoria E – praying for your scan tomorrow and fir peace for your mind and spirit.
Adrienne- it is Tuesday but feels like Monday probably for many who had MLK day off yesterday. Taylor- im glad you recovered your account, im sorry that happened to you. I live in Delaware now too, recently moved here from SoCal. Ladies if I can please ask for prayer for my scan tomorrow. Thank you
Todays reading didn’t hit home for me, but I do relate to the disciples when they are worried about not having bread AFTER Jesus feeding thousands of people two times in a row. Right in front of them. Where do I miss Gods promises when I am worried or overwhelmed? In those situations can I turn to God and remember how Jesus was? Patient. Faithful. Selfless.
Thank you all for the sweet prayers! Still waiting for more updates but I know she is responsive on her right side. Praying for more healing! @Holly praying your siblings can find a comfortable solution for parents. @Sarah D. Don’t give up on your work situation! I know it will get better! I listen to the aspire daily YouTube videos in the morning while I’m getting ready and they really help with my anxiety. I love how patient Jesus is and I pray I will one day learn to be better about that. I have constant worry and I know at the end of the day Gods love for me is so much bigger than anything but it is truly hard to trust that.
Rita,
I think his reason for telling folks to be quiet about his miracles….is similar to when his mother asked him to take care of the wine at Cana…his time had not yet come. The more “evidence” the Pharisees gathered the sooner his arrest…..and He still had work to do with his disciples so they could take His message to the ends of the earth. They weren’t yet ready. So much more of the story to be told.
Good day ladies. I hope you are all doing well and in great moods by God’s grace.
The feeding of the 5,000 and the feeding of 4,000 -both had plenty of leftovers. The provision of God is abundant with overflow for our cup (Psalm 23:5). Whatever your current needs might be dear shes, please know God will provide more than enough, He is the same yesterday, today and forever.
Another point that drew my attention was Peter’s sources of “inspiration”. One moment he was inspired by God in Heavens to say “you are the Christ”, and not long after, Peter was inspired by Satan to rebuke his Master when He foretold his suffering and rising up again. It shows the risk, that even Peter, a very strong disciple, can get both Godly thoughts and satanic thoughts. Something for us to caution! Look how the satanic thoughts appear good and well meaning, Lord you wouldn’t die- sounds amazing right? For us, sometimes in life, we are in the middle of our god ordained mission, and there are thoughts that come into our head in the same way, thoughts that speak life rightfully…. but dang, wait a minute, it’s satanic. Beware. May the Lord give us grace to discern these cunning deceptions in thought realm. Satan dresses as an angel of light, so are his deceptions, they might “sparkle” with light too. Take heed what you hear (mark 4:24), be careful to filter and manage our thoughts.
Praying…
@Foster Mama: may support and plenty of help come your way to lighten your load. May joy be your strength dear mama- all day every day! Hugs and love.
@Holly: for you dad’s healing and may God provide better options than what’s available now.
@Traci: I was confused too lol, but today is Tuesday.
@Donna Wolcott: praying for your pulmonologist appointment to go well, and healing comes.
@Sharon Jersey girl: for mental peace and strength to pull down stronghold of the mind.
@Taylor: praise God your account is back.
@Lehua K: be strong, you can do it, one day at a time.
@Jennifer loves Jesus: where are you? You are missed. Praying.
Be blessed dear sisters.
How grateful i am to know that Jesus knows me more then I know my self more then I know my wants and desires. And has never left me but only guided and helped me through my life. And invites me to be with him through pray and his word.
Churchmouse, Kelly (NEO), Searching, Karen thank you for allowing me to see things in the Scripture I never noticed before.
Amen
Who do I say Jesus is? Is he another thing I should believe in or do I truly believe he is the way,truth, and life? Do i believe he is my savior, my king? Lord grow me. Grow me more
I’m so confused. A few have mentioned it being Monday, yet it is Tuesday…or am I going crazy.
“I see myself in Peter. Perhaps you do too. One minute I see Jesus for who He is, I want to follow Him wholeheartedly. I am full of confidence and of faith. But it’s not long before my issues and fears overwhelm my faith. It is easy to forget that He is the Messiah, the Son of the living God. He knows the concerns of my heart.”
Definitely me. And I am so thankful for His patience with me. His love never leaving me.
I had to learn patience because I am a mother of now one but use to be two AD/HD boys, my ex-husband also has AD/HD. For five years I learned to be patient because I couldn’t get any of the doctors to listen to me. Then finally one came in after spending five minutes with the three of them in one room (I was in a separate room) and told me he felt they were all three AD/HD. I looked up to God and thanked Him.
I’ve also learned patience throughout my nursing career. Many times I’ve wanted to get things done fast so I could move on to my next task — helping a patient do something and letting them do it and doing it for them when they need to do it — then I have to remind myself is this the best thing for my patient. Many times they need to be able to do it themselves to continue in their therapy.
As I have aged my patience has waivered though. That’s when I turn to the Lord.
Now as I get ready to have my first grandchild, I need to once again learn patience. April can’t come soon enough but I will be patient Lord.
Sisters, be blessed and be patient for the Lord to answer.
I love each guest & discussion. Thank you.
Would you please address why JESUS always tells people HE’S healed not to tell anyone, & why they always tell everyone?
I understand why they are overjoyed to share, but I’m perplexed why HE constantly says to not tell. Also, why HIS request isn’t obeyed.
Thank you.
Rita
I wanted to give you two verses that help me when I feel that way. Psalm 139 and 1 Peter 5:7.
Oops, I didn’t mean to send that yet! Anyway, that is me. No matter how much I see His evidence, goodness and authority in my life and praise Him in that moment, i still get that worldly amnesia and forget WHO HE WAS, IS and WILL ALWAYS BE.
Good morning Donna,
Good morning. I am always convicted with this passage. Here we see Jesus’s power over and over again, His authority as the Son of God, His love and compassion.. and yet over and over again I feel like the disciples when He asks, are your hearts hardened, do you not get it?
Digging deeper today about Peter being the rock and found some insightful opinions!! I just love how God works in all things!! https://www.gotquestions.org/upon-this-rock.html
I know Jesus is the Messiah. I forget that his concerns are concerns of God. I often get caught up in the concerns of man is this fallen world. I pray that I will remember what Jesus has taught me when I become distressed. He knows what is best for me!
@Taylor– that’s so cool! I’ve never been to Bear Creek Mountain but I do live by the other mountains here (Big Boulder, Jack Frost) It is beautiful! I hope you enjoyed yourself!
@Lehua– believing God for victory in your life. Get Out of Your Head is a great book. I highly recommend Jennie Allen’s podcast alongside it! She did some companion podcasts when that book was released, I believe. I listen to her “Made for This” podcast regularly for the past couple years.
@Mercy — thank you for your consistent prayers. @Rebecca thank you <3 anyone else who prayed :)
The Lord spoke to me through this devotional and I have done some journaling this morning. This especially hits home: "The good news is that in Jesus’s handling of Peter, He is patient. He knows how weak Peter is, and He alone knows the future for Peter. Growth takes time. God is patient. As He was with Peter, He is very patient with us."
We can all answer Jesus’ question , “Who am I?” but for me it’s not knowing the answer, but knowing and remembering all that Jesus is.
@ HOLLY…. praying!
@ MARI V, sending you lots of love ❤️
(Can you say a quick “God please support @ FOSTER MAMA today?!”… Thank you!!)
The phrase in the devotion “my issue had become bigger in my head than my God” really resonates with me too. How many times have I magnified a situation in my mind WAY beyond the reality of the actual situation! I call it ‘vain imaginations’, a phrase found in an old school version of Scripture.
Aptly named too, because these thoughts are imaginations that are all self-centered. The Lord is graciously dealing with me about this thought habit as I start the new year. What a revelation! And how freeing it is becoming to me to just “take these thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ” at the start before they run away and grow in my mind, and manifest into a bad attitude.
What a Savior we have! Have a blessed day, dear She’s! I am praying along with you for all the concerns posted.
Help me to remember You’re bigger than my biggest fears,Lord Jesus❤️
This is exactly the reminder I needed to day. My siblings and I are struggling with how to make sure our Dad has all the care he needs while trying to avoid separating my parents by putting him in a nursing home. I’m exhausted and overwhelmed at our lack of options. This reading gives me peace. I know God will guide us to the right answer and have my Dad in the palm of His hand the entire time. Thank You Father for helping me to find time even in the midst of this storm to sit and meditate on Your Word and read exactly the message I needed this morning. And thank you Susan for writing it.
If any of you are inclined, I would appreciate prayers for my Dad’s healing and for the answers we need to come to us for his care.
I’m so glad God is patient with me! Lord knows I can be a lot to handle at times.
Good morning and Happy Monday sweet She’s! OK, Most of you here know Monday is not one of my favorite days, BUT It is the day the Lord has made, and I’m up and took another breath. I was up again in the middle of the night, and spent time praying, seeking, praying for loved ones that really need it right now and for guidance for my own life.. Ironically, I was thinking about how impatient I can get in the waiting, but I was also thinking how I try very hard not to ask “why”. Even though I don’t understand why I’m having to go through this again. Not having a vehicle. The work that goes behind, arranging rides for myself and for my daughter. My son having to drive around like a Uber to and from. I’ve had to humble myself and ask for “help”. I am grateful for the people in my life that “gladly” Come alongside me to help. I am thankful for my Jesus who is so patient with me when I have those anxious thoughts.
Help my fears to not overwhelm my faith! It can be challenging in the world we live in. But Jesus is our Rock! We need only to lean on Him.
@Churchmouse, thank you for words so eloquently spoken. And true!
Praise Jesus! Messiah and Lord of all!
I needed this today. Hallelujah! Thank You God!
Good morning sisters, may I ask for prayers this morning as I see a pulmonologist again, there is much anxiety. In my head I sing the words to “Still”. Thank you.
Wow, SUSAN YATES, thank you for this insightful devo!
SEARCHING – You’re welcome! I am glad you saw my comment. No, I do not have the digital book. I do all of my reading on my Kindle through the SRT website. I click on the links listed for the Scripture reading. There are many Bible versions to choose from there, too.
KAREN, Your comment about ‘seeing trees’ really hit home for me. Thanks so much for sharing that!
Joining in prayer with/for you all. TAYLOR, so glad that is behind you. I understand the icky feeling!
Mark 8:33 really spoke to me when it said “you are not thinking about God’s concerns but human concerns.” How often do we lose sight of the fact that God, who takes care of all our needs, is in charge? I needed that reminder today ❤️
Well said, Churchmouse!
Amen and Amen. Thank you Churchmouse!
Good morning She’s! Would love your prayers. I have been feeling more anxious in the mornings again during work. I am going to be looking into other jobs, but I have a lot of doubts running through my head, like will I ever be able to be at a job where I won’t feel anxious. I am working on becoming an elementary school teacher, and I doubt whether I can do that or not, and if my anxiety will ever go away. I am trying to stay positive, and I am thankful for the medicine that has been helping me. I know the Lord will use this for his glory. Praying his will be done, even though it is hard in the moment.
Growth takes time. God is patient! I’m planning on sharing this with my Bible study sisters. There are a few that are just learning the Word and are getting frustrated. I’ve been a Christian almost thirty years and thankfully have been in Bible studies all along. It takes time! Don’t let the enemy steal what the Spirit is doing. Allow Him to lead and teach you. Blessings to all!
What an immense privilege it is to know Jesus, to follow Him & His Spirit…to spend time with and worship Him! We know the Messiah, Savior of the Universe, Son of the Living God! Wow! How amazing and how humbling! Who am I, that He is mindful of me!?
Such a good reminder that He is with us. He is patient and I should be with those around me. His grace is sufficient for all my worries and careS.
Good morning ladies. First let me say how very grateful I am to be a part of this community; reading your comments to the scriptures are so helpful and refreshing. As well as the opportunities given to pray for others in the comments. Thank you to SRT.
I am so blessed, we all are. Peter, Peter, Peter! I may as well been saying Cheryl, Cheryl Cheryl, lol. How I see myself so clearly and to be reminded of Christ love and compassion for me, for us. Wow!
I had somewhat of a similar experience many years ago. I, too, was anxious about one of my kids — a teenager at that time. When I was still for a moment, I felt these words: “Let my voice be the one that triumphs.” It was like an instant balm on my anxious heart. As Susan said: “At that moment, I realized my issue had become bigger in my head than my God. I had forgotten who He was, the Messiah, the Son of the Living God, who knows and loves my child even more than I do.”
I try to remember these words, years later, when the thoughts in my head get out of control. His voice is the one to cling to, the one to remember.
Thank you Susan for today’s devotional! “My issue had become bigger in my head than my God.” This is what I struggle with so much. I let Satan’s thoughts get into my head, crowding out all I know God to be. God is greater than any problem. He has a solution, nothing is to hard for Him – I know all this to be true. Yet somehow I let the enemy in. Issues seem so big. I know what I need to do – fill my head with the Word of God and all I know to be true of Him. If I do that, there will be no room left over for Satan to squeeze in. Please pray for me, that I will have victory in my mind and thoughts. There have been some raging battles there these past few weeks. God is greater, God is higher than any other! “Growth takes time. God is patient.” Hallelujah!
@Kimberly Z – praying for your dear, sweet friend.
A blessed Tuesday to you all!
Jesus is everything.
Praying for you @Lehua K, @Kimberly Z for your friend’s mom, and others! Also thank you for those who prayed for me yesterday. I got my account recovered and changed my password so hopefully this won’t happen again. I feel violated in a way because whoever hacked my account was listening to music and added a bunch of liked songs and artists. Just feels gross.
A few takeaways from today’s devotion:
1. Don’t let the things in my head (anxieties, doubts, fears, etc) become bigger than the truth of who God is
2. REMEMBER He is the Messiah. The Son of the Living God who is PATIENT with me.
3. Growth takes time\
So thankful for these truths! I hope everyone has a blessed day! Also @Michelle Patire I saw your comment over the weekend and I live in Delaware but my friend and I went snowboarding at Bear Creek Mountain! I think I went to Jack Frost when I was a child but love the Pocono area!
My eyes fell on the words of Mark 8:24-26, opening MY eyes to something for the first time. How many times do I see men as “trees” and not souls that have needs? How many times do I pass right by? Who am I overlooking? Is my focus really on Jesus? ……Sometimes I need a second touch to have my eyes brought into focus.
Lehua K I’m praying that you find the peace that Jesus gives in abundance. Kimberly Z praying for your friend’s mom. Have a blessed day Sisters!
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Amen!
I love this so much! ❤️
Thank You Father for the Blood of Jesus, Grace, and Mercy. May the Boly Spirit fill me afresh and the fruits of the Spirit abound in me to Your glory. Amen
Just like Peter and affirmed by the later part of Mark 8, it is only once we know who God is and what His Good News is all about that we can know who we are and what we are meant for. Self help < self sacrifice
Thank you, SUSAN YATES, for showing me through your words that we as humans all face the same challenges and struggles, and that Jesus is there for every one of us – whether we’ve traveled the world in spreading His word, or work from home and have a seemingly small sphere of influence. Peter, we are all him in some way.
CHURCHMOUSE – Again, I was touched by your comment. “Peter’s legacy is not his failure but his recovery from it.” Amen.
TARA B – praying for your full plate!
CEE GEE – thank you for the heads up on more info. So do you have the digital book?
LEHUA K – praying for your job, transition and your side business. New things and transitions can be scary – one day at a time, take good notes, ask questions when you have them, you can do this!
LOLLY REGAN – praying for compassion for your husband. For various reasons, I have been praying about my attitude towards mine.
MELANIE – joining you in prayer for healing
KIMBERLY Z – praying for complete recovery for your friend’s mom
Praying for these needs.
I remember hearing a teaching on the sympathy of Jesus. He said that Jesus always knew just how to talk and approach the people He encountered. He talked about the healing of a deaf, mute man. He pulled him away and signed to him what He was about to do when He put mud on his eyes. He took him away so the man’s healing wasn’t going to be a spectacle. The pastor said that the man’s life was probably a spectacle with people talking or staring at him. (I’m paraphrasing the message.) I was touched at how caring Jesus was for that man. I noticed in today’s reading, He pulls the blind man away too. After, his healing, Jesus tells him to go straight home. This reminded me of the sermon I heard! Not only does Jesus heal this man, He takes him away and sends him home as to not deal with the crowds. May we all remember the amazing compassion of Jesus and give Him praise every time we do! Prayers for you all today!
How reactionary Peter is! I love his passion and I love his transparency. Peter doesn’t understand everything Jesus says or does but he keeps on following… until he finds himself in a courtyard, warming himself by a fire. His emotions are on red alert and he blurts out his frustration and fear in an epithet and a denial. Have we not experienced this same conflict of emotions as we process following Christ in our secular society? Peter stormed away in shame for he had seen compassion when his eyes met Jesus’. Yes, Peter walked away… and into his destiny. He became what Jesus had seen in him. Peter, the brash, impulsive fisherman, became a leader of the church. The first sermon he gave resulted in 3000 more believers. Peter’s legacy is not his failure but his recovery from it. May the same be said of us.
While the disciples were with Jesus every day, they were slow to understand God’s purposes and plan.
I have His Spirit within and have the same problem.
“Growth takes time. God is patient. As He was with Peter, He is very patient with us.”
I am Peter and it gives me so much hope that Jesus offers grace in our weak moments.
Praying!
Kimberly Z, praying for your friend’s mom.
I’m right there with Peter… one moment I feel like “I got this!” and I think I know what I’m doing, and then Jesus throws a curveball and I’m left dumbfounded. It’s probably good for me to humble my ego though… I’m still trying to imagine what it would have really been like to be living in those times, being so close to Jesus. Amazing!
Thank you ladies for the prayers.. it’s only Monday and the week has already been tough. I had a small emotional breakdown at work this morning and my boss noticed, so she talked with me. We’re meeting with the owner of the company tomorrow to talk about the transition and address any concerns, and another couple of meetings on Thursday to discuss my 3 month evaluation and compensation. On top of that, we have family visiting and spending the night, and one of them unknowingly said something hurtful that cut deep into one of my deepest fears about living with my mother in law. Now I can’t help but feel like I’m totally a burden to her. I need to get these lies out of my head (ironically my Bible study group starts tomorrow, and we’re reading Get Out of Your Head which I picked up today). Sorry for unloading…
Hi sweet girls! Hoping it’s a great week for everybody. Asking for prayers for sweet friend of mines mom who unexpectedly got a brain bleed. Please pray she’ll make a full recovery from this. She was there for my family last year after my dads accident and she holds a dear place in our hearts. We are all sick to our stomachs worried for her and her family.