Monday 1 October, 2012
Luke 22:31-34
31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” 33 But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”
Jesus has a prophetic word for all his disciples and specifically for Peter. Regardless of Peters’ protests Jesus knows Peter will blow it and succumb to fear and deny Him. Yet how like God to focus on the positive. Without saying ‘I forgive you’, He does even before it’s happened. Despite Peter’s later downfall, He sees his heart, and charges him with a new ministry, to “strengthen your brothers” … Peter’s first preaching experience 3,000 get saved Acts 3:14-42. WOW!
How amazing is our God. I’ve blown it, I’ve given into fear and so much more, I’ve re-evaluated my faith in Jesus several times over the years – yet God sees my heart. He’s not looking at the downfalls but sees only the potential in me/in us.
Father, I am in awe again that You don’t focus on our downfalls as we do but You see past them, You see our hearts, You see our potential. Father help me to see my life as you do, use these downfalls and turn them in to strengths creating ministry opportunities to build and strengthen others.
Written by Suzie Hodgson
Thanks Suzie, I will carry the thought that Jesus is praying for me, that my faith will not fail. It’s great to think that He is also doing this for my children who are not in fellowship at the moment. Jesus is looking forward to their future and their potential. I’m going to pray this for them and for all of the children of our church families.