With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” – Acts 2:40
When I think about Peter, I don’t usually picture him as a preacher. I picture him as the fisherman, the guy who spoke too soon, the one who sank in the water, the ringleader of The Twelve – yes, most definitely… but also the one who denied even knowing Jesus. He messed up a lot. But honestly, he’s the disciple I most relate to.
But here in Acts 2, we see a different side of Peter. He’s standing in front of a crowd, preaching with passion, warning them and begging them to turn to Christ. And you know what? God used him in a powerful way. Three thousand people came to faith that day. That wasn’t because Peter suddenly became perfect. It was because the Holy Spirit was working through him!
That encourages me, and it should encourage you too. Peter’s effectiveness didn’t come from his track record. It came from his heart for Jesus and his willingness to be used. I need that reminder, because there are times when I feel woefully insufficient, or that my past somehow disqualifies me. Times I’ve failed. Times I’ve let fear or pride get in the way of my witness.
But Peter’s story shows me that God isn’t looking for perfect people – he’s looking for surrendered people. And when we open ourselves up to Him, He can do more through us than we ever thought possible!
So here’s a question just for today: Am I willing to let God use me, even with all of my flaws? Am I willing to step out and speak when He gives me the chance?
“God is looking for people through whom He can do the impossible. What a pity we plan only the things we can do by ourselves.” – A.W. Tozer
Former Blackout Artist 