John 1:40-42 One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is translated, A Stone).
"You shall be called Cephas." At this stage of Peter's walk with Jesus, the only thing that resembled a stone in his (Peter's) life was that he was hard-headed. He was prideful and often "opened mouth and inserted foot". Yet, Jesus called Peter "Cephas", "A Stone". In other words, this was the beginning of Peter's journey to be molded and shaped into the stone that God would use, for His glory. Peter was no different than any of us. We are all a bit rough around the edges. Well, ok...a lot rough around the edges. However, just as Peter had to experience certain failures along the way, and taught some humbling lessons, we too need to go through this pruning process. God used Joseph mightily in Egypt, but he too was a prideful, and kind of a spoiled, young man. God allowed exactly what was needed in his life to humble him and prepare him to be the second in command of Egypt. We can find great hope and comfort in the fact that Jesus called Peter "A Stone". Why, you ask? Well, because it shows us that the Lord deals with us on the basis of who we are going to be, as He works in us and through us. Every trial and circumstance God allows us to experience is tailor made for us as individuals. God uses each instance to mold us and shape us into who He needs us to be for His glory. Peter, who had some real failures, also became a great soul winner for Jesus. In Christ, we have been separated unto God for the purpose of carrying the Gospel to wherever He leads, and wherever He opens doors; whether at work or play. If we stumble along the way, that is okay. God will use those moments, if we let Him, to teach us, grow our faith, and make us more effective for the cause of Christ. Whatever we may be struggling with today, know that God has allowed it because He is dealing with us in view of who He is going to transform us into, by the work of His Spirit in us; all for His glory.
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Romans 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Romans 10:13)
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