Resilient | Overwhelmed

posted by Hannah Brazell | Apr 6, 2022

As a follower of Jesus, you have probably read about the signs and wonders that happened when Jesus began his ministry. He turned water into wine, miraculously healed the sick, and even raised the dead back to life. If you’ve grown up hearing those stories, they might seem familiar or casual at times. Maybe those miracles start to lose power to you because they seem like some kind of storybook you grew up reading.

I can think of times in my own life when my relationship with Jesus felt casual and uninspired until he used specific miracles to remind me of his power. When Jesus influenced someone to gift me a new car, placed godly friends in my life, and healed a brother from addiction, I was completely overwhelmed. The truth is, Jesus’ power is so real it can be overwhelming to us humans! 

If anyone can relate to this, it’s Jesus’ disciple, Simon Peter. 

Even after doing life with Jesus daily, I can only imagine the way Peter felt when Jesus had yet again revealed his power as the Messiah on the mount of transfiguration. 

In Mark 9:2-13, we see Jesus take Peter and two other disciples, James and John, up a high mountain to pray. Suddenly, they see Jesus in a way they never had before. Not only was his appearance and clothing transformed and glowing whiter than bleach but the prophets Moses and Elijah also appeared next to him. Why is this shocking you might ask? Moses had died a long time ago (Deuteronomy 34) and Elijah was taken up into heaven in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2: 1-11).

How can it be? What was happening before their very eyes were miraculous and unnatural. But that’s just our God, isn’t it?

Peter was so shocked he impulsively tried to find words to say. “Rabbi, it’s wonderful for us to be here! Let’s make three shelters as memorials–one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” (Mark 9:5) 

Then a cloud overshadowed them and a voice from the cloud proclaimed “This is my dearly loved Son. Listen to him.” God literally spoke from heaven to declare Jesus’ power and authority.

Even though Peter was known to be bold and enthusiastic, at this moment he was terrified and overwhelmed. Overwhelmed with the fact that Jesus isn’t just human, but he was the Messiah that had come to forever break through the boundary between humanity and God. 

Jesus revealed his glory to his disciples on the mountain so they could get a better understanding of who he was. This was meant to reassure them because Jesus would soon be crucified. As they were going down the mountain, Jesus asked Peter and the others not to speak of what they had just seen until after his resurrection. Peter had no idea what was to come. He just wanted to remain faithful. 

I can relate to Peter in the way he desired to devote his whole life and heart to following the Son of God. However, just like Peter  I often go through the motions and fall blind to notice what Jesus is trying to do. 

Sometimes Jesus has to meet us in our complacency, again and again, to remind us that our relationship with him is never casual.

How often does God have to remind you that Jesus’ power isn’t too good to be true? For me, it’s just as often as he had to remind Peter. Not only did Jesus transform himself on that mountain, but he continued to transform Peter’s heart. Allow him to do the same for you.