Peters Alter Ego

What is an “alter ego”? Well! It’s been defined as – “An alter ego (Latin for “other I”, “Doppelgänger”) means an alternative self, which is believed to be distinct from a person’s normal or true original personality. Finding one’s alter ego will require finding one’s other self.”

Why do I ask the question? Well! The reason is that I was reminded recently about the well-known episode in the life of Peter found in “Matthew 14.” It was the time when Peter in his enthusiasm leaped out of the boat onto the waters to go to Jesus and then after a short time started to succumb to the law of gravity and sink.

We have all I’m sure looked at this episode in his life and reflected like looking into a mirror upon our own experience’s (or maybe it’s just me who does that).  When we look at his experience we so often only remember – His apparent failure and especially the words of Jesus “Oh ye of little faith, why did you doubt?” – “Matthew 14:31” NKJV. However, we all hear differently, but for the most part what most hear and read in these words, and I say right now, mistakenly words “condemnation, criticism and scolding” but we are wrong to do so.

The words “little faith” is one word in the original Greek. Littlefaith – (Ὀλιγόπιστε)-(Oligopiste). It’s almost like a nickname. There is tenderness expressed in the words of Jesus. There is understanding in the words of Jesus. There is compassion in the words of Jesus 

It’s as though Jesus is gently shaking His head and saying, “Oh Littlefaith. You were doing so well. Making real strides. What happened?”

We so often look at it as a failure on the part of Peter, but we forget so often what happened next. Littlefaith Peter got his eyes back on Jesus and walked on water again back to the boat!

Hear today my brothers and sisters in the family of God the words of the Holy Spirit to your hearts – Compassion, Tenderness, Understanding and Encouragement – from the heart of our Saviour. 

Remember “littlefaith” did exploits and so will we. Let me encourage you to remember that and that only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.

Don’t for the Kingdom of Heaven’s sake fall into the enemy’s trap of feeling you always have to be successful. Remember also, to never let success get to your head; and especially to never let failure get to your heart.

Mickey Rooney once said, “You always pass failure on your way to success.”

Bless You as we continue in our great faith adventure together