Articles
God My Deliverer
1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” When I got news of my twin brother’s death, it was a situation that was beyond what my mind could bear. My disbelief and intense grief tempted me to think, “there is nothing that could deliver me from this pain.” I still have my moments, but God helped me escape temptation because He delivered me from my intense state of grief.
Regarding the apostle Peter, Mark 14:31 reads, “But he said emphatically, ‘If I must die with you, I will not deny you.’ And they all said the same.” After Peter zealously made this statement to Jesus, he was unable to stay awake in the Garden of Gethsemane to encourage Him and also denied being His follower three times. Mark 14:72 says, “And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, ‘Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.’ And he broke down and wept.” Intense guilt, regret, grief, and sadness will distract us from God and tempt us to believe that there is no way to move forward. However, the way to move forward is by leaning on God and trusting His love.
After Judas betrayed Jesus, he realized that the Pharisees were going to put Him to death and had immense guilt. He even tried to return the 30 pieces of silver saying, “I have sinned, for I have betrayed innocent blood” (Matthew 27:3-4 NIV). When he saw that his actions of remorse were to no avail, he threw the money in front of the chief priests and then took his own life. Judas decided to end his life instead of repenting to God, but Peter was the opposite. Even after all his sins, he never stopped relying on God and trying his best as a disciple of Jesus. This is one potential reason why when the Lord appeared to his disciples after the crucifixion, He encouraged Peter (John 21:15-18). John 21:19 reads, “(This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, ‘Follow me.’”
Jesus is the best example for any child of God to emulate. Jesus prayed to God for strength, but He also asked for Him to spiritually encourage others as well. Luke 22:31-32 reads, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” In John 17 Jesus also prays for all God’s children to be unified with Him and sanctified by His truth. Jesus teaches that God’s love can turn our sorrow to joy, especially if we ask Him with confidence (John 16:20-24). Heeding Jesus’ teachings and example when my brother died, I gave God all my sadness the first opportunity I had. I gave Him all my intense emotions, prayed for my brother’s soul, and thanked God for blessing me with His life. I also focused on others in my grief by letting them know about my brother’s passing and checking on them soon after via a phone call. By focusing on God and others I was able to press on from the worst moment of my life with acceptance and hope. The hope that my brother can live through me in my heart and that I will be with him and God one day. As I said earlier, I still have my moments, but thanks to God, I can escape my temptations and count my blessings each day!
