A Transformed Life

“Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.” Matthew 26:35

            The transformative life of Peter is a testimony of what the power of God can do for every human being.  That he could so change Peter’s heart (and further still the Apostle Paul).  To bring them from the place of doubting and fear, to the bold, sanctified, holy man that he would become; that Christ can do that is a great hope to us all.

 Peter’s love, dedication and zeal for Jesus was evident throughout his walk with Christ.  Think of him as he leaps from the boat to walk the sea saying “Lord if it be thou bid me come unto thee.”  How he refused to allow Jesus to wash his feet thinking himself so unworthy, then the Lord rebukes him: “If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.” Peter responds with his characteristic zeal; “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head” (John 13:7-9)   Think of him as he answers Jesus's probing question after the multitudes turn back “Will you also go away?”  Peter proclaims “Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life.  And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.” (John 6: 67-69)   He loved God; he loved Christ; and when he said “Though I should die with thee”, I believe that in his heart he meant it, that he meant those words, but he wrote a check from the heart, too big for himself to cash.  Many people love God.  These are they who have a desire to do right and a desire to “sin not.”  However, they find thoughts, actions, deeds, that they wish they wouldn’t do.  Or say.  Or think.  Thoughts, actions, and reactions that they wish they could take back.  Moreover, they promised God, promised him, that they will never do this or that again.  Repenting, and repenting again.  Yet, by and by, they find themselves unable to pay up on the checks they write with their hearts.  We each know what act of defiance is in our lives that we ourselves want so badly to overcome, but like Peter, we write checks with our hearts that our own will power cannot cash.  So what now?  Do we live in constant disapproval and failure towards God?  “God forbid” Paul writes in Romans  After the resurrection of Jesus we find the disciples in an upper room having a prayer meeting; when the Holy Ghost comes.  The promised Spirit fills all that were sitting (Acts 2).  Shortly thereafter, Peter stands up and boldly begins to preach and teach Jesus to everyone around.  The man that once denied now passionately affirms and preaches the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  He not only did it on this occasion, but time and time again he affirmed with boldness that Jesus was the Christ (see Acts 3 & 4).  So, what changed?  Peter changed, through the power of the Holy Ghost.  It purged out the sin and fear in Peter’s heart, sanctifying him wholly and giving Him a witness that we could witness with.  

The Holy Ghost can come into your heart and give you the power to love God the way you want to love him.  He can give you the capital to pay up on all those checks your heart once wrote, but your will power could not cash.  The Holy Ghost can eradicate every obstruction and remove that which yields to disobedience.  He can transform your life.