Episode 989
How Do We Find Courage When Faith Meets Fear?
This podcast episode delves into the profound theme of "When Faith Meets Fear," as exemplified through the biblical narrative of Peter's denial of Jesus. We reflect upon the inherent human vulnerabilities we all possess, particularly in times of crisis and uncertainty. The discussion emphasizes that true courage does not equate to an absence of fear, but rather the ability to confront and transcend it, despite our failures. Furthermore, we explore the significance of community support during tumultuous periods, underscoring the necessity of connection and companionship in our journeys of faith. Lastly, we contemplate the transformative power of tears, recognizing them not as symbols of defeat, but as catalysts for growth and deeper understanding within our spiritual lives.
This engaging episode offers a rich exploration of the intersection of faith and human experience, focusing on the poignant narrative of Peter's denial of Jesus. Following a reading from the Gospel of Luke, the discussion delves into the complexities of fear, courage, and the nature of personal failure. We examine Peter's actions as emblematic of the struggles that many individuals face when confronted with adversity. This analysis invites listeners to consider their own moments of weakness and the societal pressures that can lead to such experiences, fostering a sense of connection and understanding.
The conversation further elucidates the meaning of true courage, challenging the notion that it is synonymous with the absence of fear. Instead, we posit that genuine bravery lies in the ability to face one's fears head-on, a sentiment that resonates particularly for those navigating personal challenges. The narrative draws parallels between Peter's moment of denial and the various forms of struggle that individuals encounter, thus providing a relatable framework for listeners grappling with their own vulnerabilities.
In addition, the episode emphasizes the critical role of community during times of crisis. The encouragement for Peter to seek connection with his companions illustrates the necessity of support systems in overcoming challenges. This theme is especially pertinent in contemporary society, where isolation can compound feelings of despair. Ultimately, the discussion culminates in a reflection on the transformative nature of tears, portraying them not as symbols of shame but as catalysts for personal growth. This message serves as a poignant reminder that our struggles can lead to profound insights and renewal, urging listeners to embrace their journeys with compassion and understanding.
Takeaways:
- The podcast emphasizes the importance of understanding courage as the ability to face fears despite failures, rather than the absence of fear itself.
- In times of crisis, it is imperative to recognize the value of community and the support it provides during personal struggles and challenges.
- The narrative of Peter's denial serves as a poignant reminder that our most human moments are often marked by vulnerability and the need for connection with others.
- Transformation can arise from moments of deep sorrow, illustrating that tears may signify growth and the potential for a renewed understanding of faith and self.
- Listeners are encouraged to reach out to those in their lives who may be experiencing difficulties, offering presence without judgment as a form of support.
- The podcast advocates for the practice of gentle self-compassion, acknowledging that falling short of our aspirations is a part of the human experience.
Links referenced in this episode:
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).
He is the author of "The A, B, C-1,2,3 Bible Study Guide" Free to you by clicking HERE.
Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.
He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)
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Transcript
Hello my friend Dr. Brad Miller here with the Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:This is your daily reading of the Bible from a progressive point of view.
Speaker A:In a bit I will read the New Testament lessons selected from the Revised Common Lectionary for this very day.
Speaker A:The reading is understandable.
Speaker A:I use the message version relatable.
Speaker A:Please listen to the points to ponder and applicable with action steps you can take.
Speaker A:We pray and are done in less than 10 minutes.
Speaker A:It's all brought to you by voiceofgoddaily.com which is the home of your free personal Bible Study Guide, the ABC1, 23 Bible Study Method.
Speaker A: lionaires a million people by: Speaker A:You can help by saving and subscribing to the podcast and tagging your friends.
Speaker A:Here's today's reading.
Speaker A:So we are reading today from the.
Speaker B:Gospel of Luke 22 verses 54, 62 from the Message A rooster crowed, arresting Jesus.
Speaker B:They marched him off and took him to the house of the chief priest.
Speaker B:Peter followed, but at a safe distance.
Speaker B:In the middle of the courtyard, some people had started a fire and were sitting around it, trying to keep warm.
Speaker B:One of the serving maids sitting at the fire noticed him, then took a second look and said, this man was with him.
Speaker B:He denied it, woman, I don't even know him.
Speaker B:A short time later, someone else noticed him and said, you're one of them.
Speaker B:Peter denied it, man, I am not.
Speaker B:About an hour later, someone else spoke up, really adamant.
Speaker B:He's gotta been with him.
Speaker B:He's got Galilean written all over him.
Speaker B:Peter said, man, I don't know what you're talking about.
Speaker B:At that very moment, the last word hardly off his lips, a rooster crowed and just then the master turned and looked at Peter and Peter remembered what the master had said to him.
Speaker B:Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times he went out and cried and cried and cried.
Speaker B:That ends the reading.
Speaker B:We're going to talk today about When Faith Meets Fear, Peter's journey, and how it relates to our journey.
Speaker B:My name is Dr. Brad Miller, here to be helpful to you and this is all about here, about this journey.
Speaker B:When we're journeying through some perilous times in our lives, when we have the pressure on, it's about being very human.
Speaker B:About Peter's denial was the most human, one of the most human things he could ever do.
Speaker B:A story that hits close to home to me when we're honest about ourselves, maybe hit home to you, but let's unpack it a little bit with some points to ponder and see what we can learn from this to apply to our lives.
Speaker B:The first point to ponder is that courage isn't about never failing.
Speaker B:You know, I work with cancer patients, I'm a cancer survivor myself.
Speaker B:And your health fails when you have cancer.
Speaker B:And to learn that real courage isn't about being afraid.
Speaker B:It's not about never being afraid.
Speaker B:It's about facing your fears and moving on Anyhow, Peter boldly had declared beforehand that you know, he would die for Jesus, but he ended up denying Jesus three times.
Speaker B:But here's the thing, the story doesn't end there.
Speaker B:You know, it's kind of like in sports.
Speaker B:I like to watch my Pacers in fever and Colts play and there's failure in every single game.
Speaker B:You miss a basket, you make a bad play, but then it's about how you get back up and overcome your failure that matters.
Speaker B:Second point to ponder is about community matters in crisis.
Speaker B:Jesus tells Peter to turn to your companions and give them a fresh start.
Speaker B:My wife and I have been married over 33 years and we understand that and we've raised three three children and we learned we need others.
Speaker B:We need others to resonate with, to connect up with.
Speaker B:We all need people to be with us when we stumble within the family, within our friends and within other our community.
Speaker B:It's fascinating that Jesus just doesn't just focus on this individual journey of Peter.
Speaker B:But he's saying connect with others, connect with community.
Speaker B:That's important.
Speaker B:The last point to ponder is transformation through tears.
Speaker B:And this passage ends with Peter weeping and deep sobs.
Speaker B:It says he four times.
Speaker B:It says he cried and he cried and he cried and he cried.
Speaker B:It's not about punishment, not about rejection, but about this is about tears of transformation in our progressive understanding of faith.
Speaker B:These tears aren't about shame or guilt.
Speaker B:It's about growth, like watching my children grow up into amazing adults.
Speaker B:And the growth process has its ups and downs in vulnerable moments.
Speaker B:And we need to be there through all of them.
Speaker B:Here's your actions tips.
Speaker B:Think about someone in your life who's experiencing their own kind of courtyard moment where they are just caught up in the moment of struggle and doubt and reach out to them without any judgment, just presence.
Speaker B:Sometimes maybe we need to light the people that Peter needs a connective community.
Speaker B:Even the people in the in the courtyard.
Speaker B:Being there matters more than words.
Speaker B:We're going to come back and have a moment of prayer in just a second.
Speaker B:Did want you to know we have a resource for you.
Speaker B:It's called the ABC 123 A Bible Study Guide.
Speaker B:You can head over to our website, voiceofgodaily.com you can pick it up there.
Speaker B:Let's pray.
Speaker B:Loving God, you come to us in our moments of denial, our own times of fear, our own tears.
Speaker B:Thank you for being the kind of presence that doesn't demand perfection but invites growth.
Speaker B:Help us to be gentle with ourselves and others when we fall short of our boldest declarations.
Speaker B:Remind us that our tears are water, the seeds of transformation.
Speaker B:Give us courage to be honest about our struggles and wisdom to to support others and theirs and help us remember that our most human moments.
Speaker B:Your love still holds us together.
Speaker A:My friend.
Speaker A:I am delighted you chose to join me for today's reading.
Speaker A:The Daily Bible Refresh is completely listener supported.
Speaker A: on years, a million people by: Speaker A:I would be so grateful if you would go to voiceofgodddaily.com and share your gift of any amount.
Speaker A:Thanks much.
Speaker A:My name is Dr. Brad Miller and I'll be right here tomorrow with your Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:Please subscribe and tag your friends until tomorrow.
Speaker A:Remember, God's loyal love doesn't run out.
Speaker A:His merciful love hasn't dried up, it's created new every morning.
