Today’s Truth
Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers (Luke 22:31-32 NIV emphasis added).
Friend To Friend
I’m so glad Jesus picked Peter to be one of His disciples. Time and time again we see him with his foot in his mouth, his pride in his pocket, and his temper on his sleeve. Satan knew Peter was going to have a big impact on the formation of the Christian Church, and he tried many times to get him off course. During the last supper, Jesus warned Peter that he was about to be tested…”Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers,” (Luke 22:31-32 emphasis added).
Peter puffed out his chest, lifted his head and said, “I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.”
I imagine Jesus thought, Sure you are, buddy.
Just a few hours later, the sifting began. As Peter stood by the fire just outside where Jesus was being beaten and tried, a little servant girl asked if he was one of Jesus’ followers.
“Woman, I don’t know him,” he said.
Then again…
“Man, I am not (one of his disciples)!” Peter replied.
And again…
“Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!”
And just as the third denial slipped past Peter’s lips, the rooster crowed to remind him of Jesus’ words, “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.”
Peter went outside and wept bitterly.
Jesus knew that Peter was going to deny him, and yet, before he even fell from grace, Jesus was picking him up. Yes, Peter was absolutely crushed at his weakness in denying Jesus three times. But then, the ray of God’s love reminded him of Jesus’ words… “When you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
After Jesus’ resurrection, three times Jesus asked, “Peter, do you love me?” After each of Peter’s affirmations, Jesus said, “Feed my lambs…take care of my sheep…feed my sheep.” Peter did exactly what Jesus asked and spent the rest of his life doing just that.
Have you made some mistakes that left you feeling disqualified from serving God? Do you feel like you have been sitting on the bench because of too many technical fouls? Oh dear friend, you are not disqualified. Jesus has not put you on the bench. Just as we have seen with Peter, when we fall, Jesus calls us to repent, reassure Him of our love, and get back in the game to strengthen our brothers and sisters in Christ. Listen closely. Can you hear it? Jesus is whispering…Do you love me…take care of my sheep.
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, I am so thankful that you loved Peter…and that You love me. I don’t want to sit on the bench when it comes to the game of life. Thank you for forgiving me and putting me back in the game. Help me to have the courage to get back on my feet when I fall, dust the shame off my face, and join the team on the field! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
What came to your mind when you read … And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:31-32)?
Do you think Jesus knows when, where, and how you are going to fail?
What did he want Peter to do after he had repented?
What does God want you to do after you have repented?
Let’s get real. Were you convicted or motivated by the words of today’s devotion? Let’s chat.
Comments 8
Thank you Sharon, I definitely needed this today! Keep on being a blessing.
Wow! I am in tears, I really needed to hear this…I became a christian when I was 13 and rallied for the Lord and His ministry. When my husband after years of living with him as an alcoholic filed for divorce, I felt like everything was going to be healed. Well, I lost my friends, my family, my kids, my cat and was literally shunned. I lost my identity in Christ, my confidence turned to shame. I turned and threw myself to the world for comfort…alcohol. Thanks be to God, my sweet Lord Jesus who loves me so preciously, sought me..my hands are shaking…I am so grateful to be a daughter of the living King and to know that He never changes and his love never fails. I rededicated my life to Christ and now I am always crying…literally, because in such a fallen world I know who I am in Christ! So I’m shakin’ off the dirt and ready to play ball!
Hey Sharon
I read your devotion on August 17th ….Great writing ..truly inspired by the Holy Spirit.
The writings have helped my spiritual growth and my friends all the time . GOD Bless you and the team and continue to work through you and touch the heart of thousands.
Deena
Wow! Yes, this reminds me of the love Jesus and God has for us. It is a love like no other. Thank you!
tThat was an very good story i need it to lift me up a have been in this house for 5 days with the flu and i,m gettin better know Please pray for me cause i am scared to go outside thanks
I was truly blessed by the words in this blog. I am new to the website, but will definitely return. I am truly amazed by God’s ability to provide words of comfort, encouragement and substance to His people through new and excited avenues. What an awesome God we serve!
Sharon, I was talking with Keith Morgan this morning about speakers and so I’m looking you up while I have a moment. Was sooooo blessed by this failure entry. Don’t you just love when God speaks and then He tells you the same message again through a totally random other source. Hmmm. Spirit work….thanks for your writing and how you bring God’s truth to life….real life contact. Blessings!
Dear Sharon
Thanks for sharing, and caring to do so with so many women with similar issues, and needs. We are so blessed indeed to be children of God having such a wonderul teacher, and healer, and our blessed Savior.
Blessings
Dore