-March 14, 2024-
Good morning beloved, happy Thursday,
“And the Lord said, ‘Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.’”
(Luke 22:31-32).
Aren’t you glad that failure is not final with the Lord? Peter sure was. Jesus predicted that Peter would deny Him three times; and that is exactly what he did. It was a colossal failure, a huge regret. I believe that because he failed he could relate to other believers with compassion, sympathy, and empathy.
After Peter denied Jesus for the third time, the rooster crowed, just as Jesus said would happen. And at that very poignant moment, Jesus turned and looked at Peter. Though the Scripture doesn’t say, but I am sure it was a look of mercy and compassion. Yes, Jesus was disappointed, but He loved Peter so much, and Peter loved Him.
Peter remembered Jesus’ words, and he went out and wept bitterly. So many times we are prone to blame Peter for his failure. I will not. I know my own failures, weaknesses, mistakes, and sins.
The Lord Jesus forgave him freely and fully. First we confess, then we repent, and forsake our sin. Many others in the Bible failed but were restored and greatly used by God. There was Moses, Jonah, David, John Mark, and many others.
May the Lord encourage us to come back to the Lord. God is in the restoration business. Have a blessed day. Stay safe and healthy.
Failure isn’t final; God doesn’t discard us, He restores us,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 