From Simon to Peter

​Jesus chose and equipped gloriously ordinary people as ministry workers in His harvest. These people were not religious experts or super-spiritual, but people like Simon, who was called Peter.

Simon (which means hearing or heard) had difficulty with following through. He was the son of Jonah (which means soft mud). And Simon, son of Jonah, accurately described his life before being born again. He had a loud mouth and vacillated between moments of faith and foolishness.

But Jesus chose him and transformed him from Simon to Peter (which means rock). This change from soft mud to rock had nothing to do with Simon’s efforts. It was Jesus who changed him from the inside out. When Simon’s self-reliance and gusto were finally gone, Jesus transformed, strengthened, and led him by the Holy Spirit. Then, he was called Peter.

Maybe you can identify with Simon. Perhaps you waver between faith and foolishness. The Lord sees you. He knows you and what a mess you are in—full of muck and mire. He knows how many times you have failed Him and how many times you will fail Him. But take heart—even knowing this, He still loves and calls you! He wants you to draw near so He can transform you from the inside out and strengthen you with His grace.