“ But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”. Luke 22:32
Many times we have believed that we can solve everything, that we can do it, that we can do it with our own strength, to the point that we think we are so sure of what we say. But, the time comes that we do like Peter (disciple of Jesus). Who thought he was not going to deny Jesus even in difficult times. Peter had high confidence in himself that said: “Lord, I am willing to go with you not only to jail but also to death.” It has happened too many like Peter, and we even contradict Jesus as Peter did, that he would not fall. How many of us have trusted ourselves to such an extent that we create false security?
Peter denied his own weakness. As a person, we try to do what is right or what society determines is right. However, as human beings, we have a natural inclination to do evil. We see a Peter who, being a mature man and taking time with Jesus, fell into a trap such as trusting himself. Therefore, even Christians and non-Christians have the possibility of falling if they lower their guard. How to prevent from sliding spiritually or backsliding into something of the past or our old self?
Well, in 1 Corinthians 10:12 it says “So, whoever thinks to be firm, see that he does not fall.” Therefore, Jesus warned Peter to pray, but instead, he slept. Matthew 26:41 says “Watch and pray, that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is really willing, but the flesh is weak.” Many times we believe that by being Christians or being good people temptation will never come, we create self-confidence that we are X or Y thing and we forget that Satan shakes us at all times (behold Satan has asked you to shake you like wheat; Luke 22:31).
Despite Peter’s fall, he was restored. In Luke 22:61 he says “Then, when the Lord returned, he looked at Peter;” so that his eyes met those of Jesus and Peter wept bitterly. When Peter grieved for his sin, Jesus saw his heart. The bible says that “Because the sadness that is according to God produces repentance for salvation.” Such was the extreme that after the death of Jesus, the Angel of the Tomb tells the women to tell the disciples including Peter. Why Peter, who had denied him? Yes, but, he who also repented from his heart and if he had any doubts about forgiveness, Jesus wanted Peter to know that he still loved him.
Prayer: Open your heart
Lord Jesus, I am before your presence asking for your forgiveness. Forgive me if I have denied who I am, where I come from and where I am going. I recognize that with my own strength I cannot complete my path. Today, I recognize that without you I cannot complete my work here on earth. Be my teacher and my guide in everything, I ask this in your name, Jesus, Amen.
Friendly Advice
My dear friends, alone we just can’t. How good it is that God places wonderful people on our path to remind us that he has always taken care of us, but above all love us. God does not look at your condition, but repentant hearts and desires to love him as he loves you. He only asks you to pray, talk to him. God will listen to you and help you.