To deny someone is to affirm you have no connection with them. This is what Peter did when he was confronted concerning being acquainted with Jesus. Even after his passionate declaration to follow Jesus to the death if necessary! Are there times where you declare your devotion and faithfulness to God, only to become discouraged and weak in faith when faced with persecution and trouble? In Matthew 26:31, Jesus told His disciples they would all be offended, stumble in their faith, and fall away because of what was about to happen to Him. The disciples were convinced Jesus had come to overthrow the government of the time, and reign as an earthly king to finally liberate the Israelite nation. They weren’t entirely wrong. God’s plan for the promised Messiah was far greater than what their natural minds could conceive. To them, death was final, where in reality, the death of Jesus led to Him triumphing over the oppressor for all mankind! God’s ways and thoughts are higher than our natural ones. The way He works may not be the way we anticipate, but we should have enough faith in His character to not doubt or discredit His faithfulness to honour His word. Unbelief, doubt and inward questioning in this regard is simply a form of denying the Lord. Peter and the other disciples may have succumbed to the overwhelming pressure that day, but they had not yet received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. They had not been infused with Holy Ghost fire and power! You and I have, which leaves us without excuse. Once they were baptised in the Holy Spirit, the disciples became completely different men – so bold and unshakable in their faith! We have received that same power – so let’s live unashamed and unmovable regardless the opposition!