4/9/21 God's Redeeming Power

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

Once a year, I read through the book of Acts.  As I was finishing Chapter 9 this morning, I was freshly reminded of God’s amazing redemptive work that He continues to complete in the life of every believer.  “Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed, and turning to the body, he said, ”Tabitha, arise.”  And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up.  And he gave her his hand and raised her up; and calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.” Acts 9:40-41.

This man who raised a woman from the dead is the same Peter who had personally walked with Jesus as one of his twelve disciples but had denied knowing Him three times just hours before His crucifixion (Luke 22:54-62).  This is Peter, of whom Jesus said, “Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:31-32.  The book of Acts presents the previously broken Peter as the incredibly redeemed Apostle who Jesus had prayed for.  Jesus knew Peter would turn again in his faith to strengthen the brethren with his resolve to fearlessly proclaim Jesus Christ as the Son of God, the Messiah.  Doesn’t this just scream God’s amazing grace!  He didn’t give up on Peter – He redeemed those moments of denial and the resulting anguish to continuously work in Peter’s life, demonstrating His power and His mercy…oh, such Amazing Grace!

Maybe you are reading this and, like Peter, you have denied your Lord; maybe not as much with words as much as with your actions and lifestyle and, perhaps, you assume you’ve gone too far and there’s no returning for you.  Take heart because Jesus is seated at the right hand of God to make intercession on behalf of the saints with our Heavenly Father (Romans 8:34).  Just as Peter turned once and for all, so can we with the full assurance that God loves us with His unconditional, perfect love that casts out all fear of rejection and condemnation.  Confess, turn  and take hold of His Amazing Grace right now!