Better ThingsSample

Adam, Eve, and Peter knew what it was like to struggle with insecurity. When Adam and Eve ate from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil in Genesis, their eyes were opened to their nakedness. They were suddenly aware of what they didn’t have, and they tried to make up for it by covering themselves with fig leaves.

If we fast forward to Luke 5, we see Peter come to a similar realization. Despite their hesitation to obey, Jesus had just provided an incredible catch of fish for him and his men, and Peter realized at that moment how insufficient he was in comparison to Jesus. However, in Luke 5, Peter found something that so many of us long for: The Inse-Cure. That is, he discovered the cure for insecurity, and it is broken down into four components using the acronym R.E.S.T.:

1. Realization: When Peter cried out, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” he realized his insufficiency apart from Jesus. Realizing that Jesus is the only One that can complete us is the first step to overcoming insecurity.

2. Engagement: Peter decided to engage in a conversation with Jesus. Talking to Jesus about what we’re struggling with is a crucial step to walking in freedom.

3. Surrender: The Bible is obvious that Peter, James, and John “forsook all” for Jesus. Our fig leaves will be present for as long as we hold onto them.

4. Trust: Peter, James, and John had the boldness to follow Jesus. They didn’t know where they were going or what they were going to do, but they chose to find their security in Him rather than the comfortable life they had built for themselves.

Big Idea: The cure for insecurity is resting in Jesus by surrendering to Him.

Reflection Questions:

1. What is one thing from today’s devotional that jumped out to you?

2. Is there an area of your life where you often feel insecure? How does Jesus’ finished work on the cross give you hope in that area?

3. How can you walk out the R.E.S.T. approach at this moment in your life, and how can you encourage someone else with what God has spoken to you?