Have you noticed, commitment goes only so far? I decided to give up sugar—for a while. That night my husband came home with three large chocolate bars and said, “Your favorite dark chocolate is on sale.”
I promised to hold my tongue and say only encouraging words. Well, that didn’t last long!
Every personality carries inherent strengths and weaknesses. People who feel strong in an area emphasize commitment to overcome flaws. Jesus highlighted connection.
The night Jesus was betrayed He warned His disciples, and Peter in particular, of what was coming. “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (See Luke 22:31-62 NIV).
How was Peter to avert falling? Jesus said, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41 NIV).
But Peter trusted in his commitment to Jesus. “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death” (Luke 22:33).
The Lord knew Peter’s stout heart—and frail flesh. He knew Peter needed to reconnect with the Father.
Later that night, when a crowd led by Judas came to snatch Jesus, committed Peter pulled out a sword and slashed off the nearest man’s ear to protect his Lord. Jesus had him put away his sword. In a short period, Peter crumbled. He denied knowing Jesus three times.
When the cock crowed, “The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: ‘Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.’ And he went outside and wept bitterly” (Luke 22:61-62 NIV).
Peter loved Jesus. But his love and loyalty were not enough to keep him faithful. Commitment alone was insufficient. He needed the supernatural strength that a vibrant connection with God provides.
4 Ways to Connect
- Pray: “But ask the Lord Jesus Christ to help you live as you should, and don’t make plans to enjoy evil” (Romans 13:14 TLB).
. - Walk by the Spirit: “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16 NIV).
. - Abide in Jesus and His word: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing…. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:5, 7 NIV).
. - Delight in the Lord: “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires“ (Ps. 37:4 NLT).
It doesn’t matter whether, like Peter, I feel strong or I’m too weak to stand, some tests can’t be passed without God’s strength. And any apparent victory done in my own strength counts as nothing.
I’ve learned staying connected to the Lord beats staying committed to my plan. I need to commit everything I do to the Lord! (See Ps. 37:5). Connection to Jesus keeps me committed to the right path, even when I stumble.
Staying connected to the Lord beats staying committed to my plan. #Devotional, #Faithful Click To TweetQuestion: How do you keep your connection alive throughout the day?
Blessings,
Resources
Give Yourself a Break offers ways to build a deeper connection with God and overcome temptation.
Sometimes I link with these great sites:
Tea &Word Tuesday, #Kelly Balarie & Friends, #Recharge Wednesday, #Coffee for Your Heart, #TuneinThursaday, #HeartEncouragment #Dance with Jesus, #Grace and Truth, #FreshMarketFriday
Continually practicing His Presence – asking “How do You see this Lord?”
Ann, I think that is a wonderful habit!
Pray, walk, abide, delight . . . simple and encouraging. Thanks!
Thank you, Amy!
Debbie, I am trying to remember to uplift “I’m sorry, Lord” prayers every time I mess up. This keeps me pretty busy during each day. Also, I am praying for the Lord to show me my stumbling block through the perspective of His eyes.
Henni, I read once how a man prayed all the time asking God to remove his desire to drink. One day he realized that weakness had made him closer to God because he was always talking to God about it. That was a new perspective, and one I like to remember.
Such a great post, Debbie! In the past few years, God has shown me that I’m incapable of “fixing” anything–relationship issues, prodigal problems–and that I must trust Him for the outcome. I’ve developed the habit of prayer despite many years of struggling to pray often.
Tammy, it’s ironic, but it’s freeing to realize we can’t fix anything in our own strength! What joy to surrender it all to Jesus. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I find it easy to keep my connection alive if I start my day with God. When I don’t it seems to be more difficult. Music helps too.
Maree Dee, what a great way to set the direction of your day!
I love this!
I never thought of this in this way, Debbie–and I am so glad I stopped to read and really connect with the words.
Life has been full lately, and I am all about slowing down–and this was a reminder of how important that connection is, with whomever I am engaging with–especially my need for the Father daily. Thank you.
Thank you, Meghan. It’s a reminder I need often.
no commitment – genuine – w/o connection, that’s for sure. thanks, debbie (and i’m all about conecting to chocolate!)
🙂 Me too, Sue!
So good— I always love hearing about Peter and his “realness”! Connection has to be intentional every single day… thanks for the reminder. And I totally empathize about the chocolate! Stopping by from #freshmarketfriday
Yeah, chocolate gets me every time! Thanks for visiting, Laura. Hope you come back!
You shared just the right verses that I needed. I needed the reminder. Connection … it really spoke to me. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Jimmie!
Debbie, I have never considered the differences between commitment and connection. What an enlightening post! Thank you for sharing and making such an effective connection with the story of Peter to show your point.
Thank you, Katherine. The older I get the more I realize how true it is that apart from Him I can do nothing.
I’m not sure I have ever even considered connecting the two thoughts. Thank you for bringing something to my attention that will continue to prod my thinking.
Thank you, Sylvia!