“Well Peter too got caught up in the flow, even Barnabas.”

That is what I wrote in my prayer this morning. Peter knew better, but because he was afraid, he started pulling away from the Gentiles. Then even Barnabas got carried away.

Going with the flow is easy. You don’t have to think much about where everyone is going. You just go with them. Going against the flow is harder. People may question you or even judge you because now your choice makes them look at theirs.

At first, I almost focused on Paul confronting Peter. I have been struggling with disappointment when people don’t live up to “my” standard, and there are conversations I know I need to have.

But then I noticed my own tendencies.

It is easy to see when someone else isn’t doing what they should be doing. It is harder to look at myself. Even something as small as ice cream last night made me think. I say I want to get healthier, but sometimes I just don’t want to put in the effort and the work.

I can get caught up in the flow too.

And then in the Gospel, Jesus teaches us to pray, “do not subject us to the final test.” I need God’s help. I need His grace to recognize the flow and the courage to go against it when I should.

That doesn’t mean avoiding difficult conversations. Paul still confronted Peter. But remembering my own weakness should change how I have them.

And when I look at everything that needs to be done, I can get discouraged by the whole pile.

So my prayer today is simple: Lord, give me hope. Help me not just go with the flow because it is easier. Show me the stone You want me to pick up today, and give me the grace to pick it up and put it where it belongs.

What stone is God asking you to pick up today?

I pray you get the graces you need today.

Keep up the good fight.

I’m praying for you. Please pray for me.

Scripture: Galatians 2:1-2, 7-14 | Psalm 117:1-2 | Luke 11:1-4