Turn Again

This exchange between Jesus and Peter shows us so much about the Lord and His heart for us. First Jesus tells Peter that Satan wants to sift him like wheat. That doesn’t sound very pleasant. One of the meanings of the Greek word for “sift” is, “to try one’s faith to the verge of collapse “. If I were Peter, I would hope that Jesus would deny Satan’s request. However, that is not what happens.

Instead of telling Satan “no” Jesus prays that Peter’s faith would not fail.

If this prayer for Peter that his faith would not fail had been answered you would think that Peter would have never denied Jesus but he goes on to deny Him 3 times. However, I believe that Jesus’ prayer for Peter was answered. Because it was NOT about Peter putting his faith in himself and his own efforts but in Jesus’. Peter’s faith wasn’t in what he had done but what Jesus has done for him. Even though Peter failed it wasn’t a moment to dwell on how he had failed but to again put his faith in his Lord and Savior.

None of us are going to make it through the rest of our lives without missing the mark again no matter how hard we try. What is important in those moments is that we turn again back to Jesus and let our faith rest on HIM!

What Jesus says here really stood out to me as well, “And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

Jesus’ plan for Peter had not changed. He still had for him to encourage his brothers. There are those moments we sin and think “how could God use me again?” When we look at Peter’s story we see that Jesus plan for him hadn’t changed.

For us, Jesus doesn’t promise that it will be smooth sailing but we should be encouraged that through it all He is praying for us (Romans 8:34). We should be encouraged that when we mess up that we can humble ourselves and turn back to Him. We should be encouraged that Jesus doesn’t give up on us but has for us to keep moving in the plans He has for us.

–Heath