Get Back On the Wagon
I love that Seinfeld episode when they were all arguing which of the two was the bad one, “getting back on the wagon” or “falling off the wagon”. I believe the answer is “falling off the wagon”? I think?
I have a problem justifying how
long I should be off the wagon before getting back on. I know that getting back on is the right thing to do, but I still feel dirty, ashamed, and timid. In my head I tell myself that it is okay that I’m not back on the wagon, because I have to get everything back in order before I can proceed.
As my family and I begin to prepare for this Easter season, I am reminded of a story that took place around this time, which has all of the same implications. Luke 22:32(b) says, and when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers. There
are two actions stated in that verse, turning from something and strengthening others.
These words were spoken to Peter over 2,000 years ago, by Jesus. Jesus had just told Peter that before the rooster crows 3 times, he will have denied the relationship that he and Jesus had with each other. Peter was one of the elite 3 out of the 12 that was in Jesus’ inner circle.
You cannot hide anything from God, He knows all past, present, and future. That should be more freeing, and liberating, then binding, and constrictive. Jesus told Peter that he was going to lie about knowing Him, but Jesus also told him that He would be praying that his faith in Him would not fail.
That prayer continues on…
Jesus still prays that prayer for all of us. He has not set us up to fail, nor does He want to see us fail. But He knows that it will happen, and when it does, we are to turn again, and strengthen our brothers and sisters.
For those that have just fallen off the wagon, or are waiting for the right time to get back on, NOW is the time to do it. Do not put off until tomorrow, what can be done today. Get back on the wagon; He is waiting with arms open wide.
“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” –Luke
22:31-32
“Love so amazing, so divine; demands my soul, my life, my all.”
