15th April 2023

Room to grow

I don’t spend much time on Facebook – it’s way too easy to get sucked in and waste a lot of time. But every now and then, a post comes along that makes a few minutes there worthwhile. This one caught my eye and made me laugh: “When God put a calling on your life, he factored in your stupidity.” Of course! God knows us intimately and knows we will do dumb things and make mistakes. Even so, he still calls us, gives us gifts and corresponding responsibilities. 

When we think of stupidity and mistakes, we often think of Peter. He’s typically regarded as impetuous, hot-headed and rash, but he was also very close to Jesus and one of his best friends. He went on to accomplish many things for him and the church. Reading through First and Second Peter, his growth seems obvious. 

This witty saying and the life of Peter can serve as encouragement to all of us, especially those of us who make mistakes, are sometimes stupid and don’t always look before leaping. Show of hands – anyone besides me? God did factor in our stupidity and he also gives us room to grow and learn. I’m sure Peter was speaking from experience when he advised his readers/listeners to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). The Holy Spirit filled in his gaps and gave him strength in his weakness. He may have even reminded him his stupidity wasn’t fatal, just a stepping stone to growth. 

Study by Tammy Tkach

First published on 28 March 2023, at www.gemsofgodsgrace.wordpress.com

 

About the writer:
Tammy Tkach is the Assistant Pastor of the Eugene, Oregon, USA congregation. She is a speaker and writer, and publishes a blog at www.gemsofgodsgrace.wordpress.com  

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