Page 49 - The Divine Quest

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Luke 22:33-34
But [Peter] said to Him, "Lord, with You I am ready to go both to prison and to
death!" And He said, "I say to you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you
have denied three times that you know Me."
Peter had such a confidence in his own strength that he stated that even if all of the
other disciples abandoned Christ, that he would not do so (Matthew 26:33-35). The
confidence that Peter manifested with these words is not the type of faith that pleases
God. Peter’s faith was based upon confidence in his own ability to stay the course and
not deny the Lord. Peter learned before the day was out that determination and self
effort are incapable of providing the strength to stand in the face of the enemy.

This was also the lesson the Spirit brought to me yesterday. I was near to abandoning
the course and giving in to fear and anxiety. The Lord was allowing Satan to sift me
to reveal the weakness of my own flesh that I would place no confidence in the flesh.
Our only confidence should be in God’s ability and willingness to cause us to stand.
The flesh is of no profit in a spiritual struggle.

Paul knew much about battling the enemy, and he was wise enough to not trust in
his own strength. He knew that the Lord would never allow him, or any saint, to
encounter more than they could handle as they manifested faith in the character of
God.

I Corinthians 10:13
No test has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who
will not allow you to be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the testing
will provide the way out, an egress, so that you will be able to endure it.
(Author’s translation)

Paul knew that it was not by his own strength that he stood, for he boasted in his
weakness that he might more readily receive the power of God. Paul received
strength continuously from God in his many trials.

I Timothy 1:12
I thank Messiah Yahshua our Lord, who has strengthened me...

II Timothy 4:16-17
At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted
against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me...

I believe God will use many saints in these latter days to perform great exploits of
faith. The dead will be raised, miracles will be performed, multitudes will be healed,