What do we do when we disappoint ourselves? Simon Peter learned the hard way just how far he could fall below his own standards. Confident he would never waver in his allegiance to Jesus, Simon Peter experienced a night of denials.
What do we do when we disappoint ourselves? It is then we must remember what Jesus told Simon Peter right before his denials:
But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." Luke 22:32
Some quick takeaways for me:
· You will fail but it won’t be fatal
We usually don’t get the specific details ahead of time like Peter did, but we will fail somehow. Like Peter, the church has always been filled with people that are immature and broken, failing before they succeed. But, as a follower of Christ, your failures will not be fatal. This is known as God’s prevenient grace. That’s a big word, but it simply means, He gives us His grace ahead of time. There’s hope on the other side.
· Don’t get stuck there
God’s plan for you is to return. He knows this side of heaven will have its disappointments, but don’t let that cripple you. Remember Jesus is praying for you. Don’t get stuck focusing on your flaws.
· Look for ways to use what you’ve learned to strengthen others.
Embrace the grace that God offers you, utilize His strength to grow in that areas, and then help others to be victorious as well. Often the victory for us comes as we strengthen others.
1 comment:
I woke up this morning with two worship songs in my mind and heart: "I will sing, sing, sing and make music with the heavens..." and "I will sing a song of hope...God of heaven come down, heaven come down..." we were singing both at rehearsal last night...and then this Scripture, from Isaiah 61:3 - [the LORD will give those that mourn] "a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair..." What an awesome way to wake up, and to be encouraged! God is so great, and worship is so awesome, and I love how fun it is to be in His presence with His people - even when my heart might be heavy - I will gratefully take what HE offers in exchange! Have the BEST day ever today, Pastor!
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