In Luke 22, they don’t know it, but the disciples are with Jesus for a final meal. In less than 24 hours, Jesus will be dead and their world rocked to the core. Jesus knew that in a few hours, Peter would deny knowing Him – not just once, but 3 times! Then, he said to Peter (also called Simon): “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.” (vs. 31-32). He tells Peter that He has prayed for him, that his faith would not fail. After the denials, Peter could have thrown away his faith. What would Jesus want with someone who had failed so miserably? But, God granted Jesus’ prayer request for Peter. Later, Peter repented and was called back into service by Christ Himself (see John 21:1-17).
This is how it is with you and me, if we are followers of Christ. We are on Jesus’ prayer list! When we fail the Lord, our guilt and grief can lead us to give up. In those times, we need to remember that like Peter, Jesus is praying for us! We need to confess the sin, turn from it (repent), ask forgiveness from those we’ve hurt, and then get back to serving Christ as best we can. Look at what happened to Peter. After Jesus restored him, God used him in great ways to reach countless people for Christ. God is not done with us yet!
God, help me to not give Satan the foothold of self loathing or self pity. Help me to keep my eyes on Jesus, the One who prays for me!
Pastor Larry