Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?”
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.”
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.” Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.

Do I believe? Do I believe enough to speak out? Do I believe enough to face persecution for speaking out about Jesus and the gospel, or standing on the truth about God’s Word?

These are all questions followers of Jesus will have to face sooner or later. If we face them sooner, and pre-plan our response to them, then we will be more prepared.

Peter gets credit here for being the first disciple to proclaim Jesus is the Messiah. He gets credit for also being the first to walk on water. Peter was a risk-taker.

When Peter made this statement, it meant that as word spread, he could face economic risk, imprisonment, or stoning at the hands of the Jewish leaders. Many of these leaders hated Jesus and his challenge to their power and control. So it wasn’t just a casual statement like those in countries with religious freedom might proclaim. It was in itself a stand with courage.

Later, when Jesus was arrested, Peter went back on his stand and his word, denying Jesus three times. And many of us have gone back on our word and our commitment to Jesus too. But he still loved Peter, and he still loves us. He longs for us to grow and mature in the quality and resilience of our faith in him.

Peter went on to repent and be restored by Jesus after his denial and he led the early church admirably in a world at times hostile to the gospel. He died on an upside down cross as a martyr of Jesus Christ, staying a faithful witness to the end. My guess is he had played out every scenario imaginable, asking God’s Spirit to give him confidence and spiritual resolve to stand. And he did.

What will I say when my career, my reputation, my dreams, my hopes in this world, and my very life is on the line? I plan to be more and more prepared each day to stand strong. What about you?

Lord, thank you for filling me with peace and confidence to stand on the incredible power of your Word to redeem souls for eternity and lives for your glory! Whatever this world throws at me, I will trust you and your Spirit to give me all I will need to stay faithful to the end, as I stay close to you and remain in you.