“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” 

This privilege of being a child of God also involve power from above. It is divine power.  The power is God’s which gives us everything we need for life and for godliness.  Let me ask you how much will God give you to live godly lives?  Everything you need.  How many really believe that?  If you have Jesus, you are not promised that someday you will receive it all, you already have it all.

Peter aimed at two things: eternal life and godliness; moral and spiritual transformation now and hope for life in the age to come. Peter makes the close connection between godliness and eternal life. You can't have the one if you reject the other, so, what we need then is more knowledge of this power that is ours to do what He want us to do. You might think "I want the power to walk on water, just like Peter had." Why do you want that power? To impress others? For show, for convenience or for profit?           

How many times did Peter walk on water? He certainly didn't try it afterwards. It even says after Jesus’ resurrection he yelled to the disciples to fish on the other side. They caught so many fish Peter jumped into the water and swam ashore to be with Jesus. Why didn't he walk on the water? He had done it before. That was not what God wanted him to do. He only had an original audience of 12 at that time at night. God did not want him to use it to show off, for convenience, or for evangelism, he wanted Peter to walk on water to show him to trust Christ to provide whatever Christ wanted to give him to do whatever Christ called him to do.  

 Christ has the power to give you what you need for life and godliness. If he wants to use you in a great way to give He’ll give you money, or the ability to make it. If He wants you to speak, he will give you words.  To show acts of mercy, He'll give you those who are hurting. You have been given the gifts of the Spirit by His divine power.  You will even be given the power to perform miracles if that is your calling by Christ, but not everyone is going to have the spiritual gifts to do the same things. God will give us all the faith, ability and resources we need to do what He asks us through His Spirit who lives within when we came to Christ.            

Peter saw how the Lord met physical needs daily. He personally saw the power of God displayed before his very eyes. The Lord took him out on a boat on the Sea of Galilee and taught him how to handle storms. Jesus is the master of stormy situations in our lives. He fed Peter and others when they were hungry. He broke bread when there was no bread to be had. He taught the disciples that He was the One who knows intimately about their needs. Throughout those three and a half years the apostles who had been called into a relationship with Jesus Christ, learned it was their destiny to be able to cope with life. That is what God had in mind for them. This is our potential, too.           

Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengths me.” Philippians 4:13. I was feeling rather inadequate as a pastor. I know my limitations more than most. I don't need others to point out my inadequacies. I already know them. I was complaining to God one day explaining that He made a mistaking asking me to be a pastor when there are so many more capable people who have gifts and abilities I do not have. Do you know what He told me in my pity party? "You're right!  You are not capable of being the pastor.  You are not gifted in ways you want to be gifted, but I will give you what you need for what I want you to do.  If I called you, then I will work through you. You don't have what it takes, but I do.”

Peter, James and John didn't have what it took to be an apostle, but Christ did. Moses didn't have what it took to lead the people into the promise land, but God did. Faith is allowing God's power to work in you.

Prayer:   Father, I am always thankful for the humanity that is displayed in Your Word of those You chose to do the great things for Your Kingdom.   Lord, may Your power reign in my life.