All You Can Be

By Greg Laurie, Op-ed contributor Tuesday, May 16, 2006

"And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church." —Matthew 16:18

She wasn't used to being called a lady. But that's essentially what Jesus called her.

While most people probably looked down on the woman caught in adultery due to her immoral lifestyle, Jesus simply asked her, " 'Woman, where are those accusers of yours?' " (John 8:10). That word woman spoke of great tenderness and even respect. Today, it would be like calling her "lady" or even "ma'am." Jesus saw something in this woman that no one else could see.

Here is what it comes down to: God looks at us and sees what He can make us into. We look in the mirror and see our flaws. We see our shortcomings. We see our mistakes. But God sees us and says, "I see what you can be."

Jesus knew who Simon could become. So Jesus looked at Simon one day and said, " 'Simon, I am going to give you a new name. I am going to call you Peter' " (see Matthew 16:17–18). The name "Peter" means "rock." Solid. Strong. Decisive. That's what Jesus saw in Simon. I think the other disciples were snickering. "Who is He kidding? Simon, a rock?" If there was anything Simon was not, it was solid and decisive. Impulsive, impetuous, and hotheaded were Simon's traits. But Jesus said, "All you see is a Simon; I see a Peter. You see an impulsive man; I see a man of strength. I see what he can be."

God sees the same in you. He sees who and what He can transform you into. Just believe in Him.

Used with Permission