Peter replied, "Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will."... "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times." But Peter declared, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the other disciples said the same. -- Matthew 26:33-36

Peter was so certain in his mind that he would be true to Jesus, and hearing Jesus' prophetic words that he would deny him three times in one night must have sounded preposterous.  But we will find him at the end of this chapter weeping bitterly over the fact that what Jesus had predicted had come to pass.  How is it that we, like Peter, can so often be so sure of the hypothetical?  The idea of being a steadfast Jesus follower is a worthy one.  The idea of being disciplined in our faith by incorporating scripture and prayer every day seems easy enough.  But why is it that, like Peter, we fall off shortly after we begin things with such good intention?  When we are serious about doing something, whatever it is, we will find a way to do it.  We will make the time, find the resources, guard and protect it as an important part of every day.  When we permanently change the routine and processes in our lives to make it happen, we will find success.  It's not enough to just be the same person doing the same things and try to squeeze something new in.  We must let go of one thing to let another in.  Peter will deny Jesus because he is scared.  He isn't quite ready to go the distance because he likes his life the way it is and wants to keep it.  It won't always be this way for Peter.  This event will change him forever.

Readings:  Exodus 29:1-30:10; Matthew 26:14-46; Psalm 31:19-24; Proverbs 8:14-26