“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of 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)
You might consider Peter to have been one Jesus' right hand men. He was there at His side throughout the majority of His earthly ministry. He walked, talked and ate with Him on a daily basis. He witnessed signs, wonders and miracles at Jesus' hands or, often, command. I mean, something you and I could only dream of being able to do. Can you imagine, to have been present during His earthly ministry?
Yet, even after all this, we read, in at least three accounts of the Gospels, of Peter's denial of Jesus. Hand picked by Jesus, involved in full time ministry, trained by the Master Himself. It doesn't get much better than that. No denying his calling, no question about the competency of his teacher. Yet, even Peter is not immune to falling at this point.
There is nothing that we can do that takes God by surprise. He knows us better than we know ourselves. This is one reason it is so critical that we spend time in His presence and learn to hear His voice. I believe this is what made the difference between Peter receiving God's forgiveness and restoration and Judas hanging himself, after being overcome with condemnation.
Luke 22:62 goes on to tell us that when Peter recalled the words of Christ, he began to weep bitterly. I have to believe, at some point, Peter also recalled Jesus' words, as mentioned in verses 31 and 32. I believe, remembering these words, inspired Peter's faith to believe that he could be forgiven, restored and used by God.
May God grant us hearts sensitive enough to be moved to repentance by the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Scripture goes on to tell us in 1 John 1:9 that, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
None of us is beyond falling into sin. We all miss God, in some way, whether in word, thought or deed. But, I believe it is through an intimate relationship with the Lord that we begin to live a life of obedience and sensitivity to the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit. This is what causes a spiritual maturity that limits the frequency and degree to which we find ourselves entangled in the snares of the enemy of our souls, fulfilling the lusts of our flesh and overcome by the cares of this life.
God loves you more than you can ever imagine and has good plans for your life, as He mentions in Jeremiah 29:11. Receive His love, mercy, grace and forgiveness today. Once you have received that forgiveness, freely share that forgiveness with those around you.
