Romans 4:17 - …God, who gives life 2 the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though
they did;
Many a time, when we look at ourselves, we don’t see what we can become. But when God looks at
us, He sees what we can become by His grace.
When Jesus first saw Simon, whose name in Greek means “reed”, He changed his name 2 “Peter”, which means “rock”. But did Peter instantly become someone with the characteristics of a rock—solid, stable and unshakable? No, 4 a long time, he continued 2 act like a reed that bends every which way the wind blows.
Once, when Peter saw Jesus walking on water, he took a bold step of faith and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me 2 come 2 You on the water.” Then, as he was walking on the water, he saw the boisterous wind, got scared and when he began 2 sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” (Matthew 14:28–30) Another time, he said, “Lord, I am ready 2 go with You, both 2 prison and 2 death.” (Luke 22:33) Then, a few hours later, he denied knowing Jesus not once, but 3 times. (Luke 22:54–62).
Yet, throughout his reed-like behavior, Jesus kept calling him “rock” until one day, how Jesus saw him began 2 take root in him. That day, on the Day of Pentecost, Peter stood up 2 preach and 3,000 people were saved! (Acts 2:41) Peter had indeed become a rock, a pillar in the early church.
That was how Jesus transformed Peter. And that is how God wants us 2 change the people and situations in our lives. “Pastor Prince, are u telling me 2 call my wife ‘a fruitful vine’ as in Psalm 128:3? You should see my wife. She looks more like a dried-up sour prune!”
My friend, God did not tell us 2 call those things which exist as they exist. What is the point of stating the obvious? It is not going 2 change anything. No, God tells us 2 call those things which do not exist as though they did, and they will!
