Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”
But he said to Him, “Lord, with You I am ready to go both to prison and to death!” And He said, “I say to you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me. Luke 22:31-34
The apostle Peter was what many would call a natural born leader. He always was first, brash, and determined. When Jesus prepared him to face his own shortcomings, he couldn’t even acknowledge the possibility of denying the Lord. It was only when the rooster crowed that he came to grips with his own frailty, fear and faith. I love the encouragement Jesus offered him beforehand ‘when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers’. And Peter did just that!
Am I aware of my shortcomings? Am I turning again to God and strengthening others?
Lord Jesus, I want to fulfill my God-given purposes. What a reminder that You redeemed my life and have overlooked the pride and self assurance and boastful declarations of youth. You have gracefully called me to ‘strengthen my brothers’. Show me how to reach out today and love people in Your name.
