Peter was the impetuous Disciple. He stepped out of the boat to walk to Jesus on water. He offered to build shelters on the mountaintop for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. He proclaimed to Jesus and the Twelve Disciples that Jesus was the Messiah. He cut off a soldier’s ear to defend Jesus.

When Jesus told the Disciples that he was going to leave them, Peter proclaimed that he was willing to go with Jesus even to death. Read the passage below to see Jesus’ response to Peter’s pledge of loyalty:

36 Simon Peter asked, “Lord, where are you going?”

And Jesus replied, “You can’t go with me now, but you will follow me later.”

37 “But why can’t I come now, Lord?” he asked. “I’m ready to die for you.”

38 Jesus answered, “Die for me? I tell you the truth, Peter—before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.

–John 13:36-38 (NLT)

Click here to read the rest of the story about Peter’s denial of Jesus: John 18:1-27.

It is easy to boldly proclaim what you would do in any given situation before it happens. But when reality hits and we are face to face with the situation it is often easier to give in to fear and turn away from what we thought we would have the courage to do.

But even though Peter gave into his fears before Jesus was crucified, he became empowered to face those same fears after Jesus’ resurrection and Pentecost. Through the power of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, Peter became the courageous person he only wished to be earlier.

Where are you on the courage scale? Are you able to boldly affirm your faith when others challenge you? Jesus is there through the Holy Spirit to strengthen you. Put your trust in him, put time into nurturing your relationship with him, and watch your courage grow.