Articles

Keep on Kicking

Steve Hale
02/16/16 - Encouragement

Keep on Kicking

One of my favorite fables is that of two frogs, appropriately named pessimist and Optimist. Both became sealed in a huge milk can, with no way out. pessimist decided he was doomed, gave and drowned. Optimist would not quit. He just "kept on kicking." The next morning, pessimist was found "belly-up" while Optimist was found sitting on a pad of butter he had churned by his kicking!

Brothers and sisters, don't give up! We've got to "keep on kicking!" Yes, we should regret our sins and mistakes. However, we must not let them depress us to the point of quitting! Paul described the two different kinds of sorrow:

"I now rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye were made sorry unto repentance; for ye were made sorry after a godly sort, that ye might suffer loss by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance unto salvation, a repentance which bringeth no regret: but the sorrow of the world worketh death" ( 2 Corinthians 7:9-10).

Judas sinned horribly. He betrayed our Lord for a measly thirty pieces of silver (Zech. 11:30). Instead of learning from his sins, he let them overwhelm him to the point of suicide ( Acts 1:16-18). So miserable was the lot of Judas, Jesus said of him: "...good were it for that man if he had not been born" ( Luke 26:35).

Peter denied the Lord, not once, not twice, but three times. After Jesus warned Peter that Satan had asked to have him, Peter boasted: "Lord, with thee I am ready to go both to prison and to death" ( Luke 22:33). Jesus replied: "Peter, the cock shall not crow this day until thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me" ( Luke 22:34) .

When what Jesus had told Peter came to fruition, "he went out, and, wept bitterly" ( Luke 22:62). But, Peter did not quit! He "kept on kicking!" He went on to be a valuable servant! He was the principal speaker at Pentecost ( Acts 2:14ff.). His life was filled with dedication and service.

Later on, Peter sinned so grivously, Paul said he stood to be condemned (Gal. 2:11-14). Yet, repented and did not let his sin consume him. He was truly a man of "godly sorrow."

Beloved, can you think of anyone who has performed greater sins than betraying Jesus or denying Him? The difference between Judas and Peter is that Peter "kept on kicking!"

Don't quit! Rely of the Lord Jesus Christ, and "keep on kicking!"

March 6, 1988