22nd Day of Lent
Jesus Overcomes our Misplaced Self-Confidence, for Our Good
"You cannot follow me now, but you will follow me afterward." John 13:36

To say something is one thing, to actually follow through and do it is quite another.  Peter said he would follow Jesus where he was going and that he would even lay down his life for Jesus.  But, when Christ's arrest and trial actually began to unfold, Peter couldn't do it.  He didn't do what he said he would.  Even worse, he denied ever knowing the man.  Not only would he not lay down his life, he flat out lied about his relationship with Jesus. 

I'd like to think I'd have done better, but I have no idea if I would have.  I have never been in a situation where holding to my convictions is a life or death situation.  Peter did not know the end of the story as we do now .  Jesus had surely taught the disciples about his impending death and resurrection, but what would that have meant to them?  This was entering into new territory completely.  I can understand why Peter caved in under the pressure.

The good news is that Jesus knew Peter's heart and, despite his obvious failure, saw in Peter someone that was worth keeping and using in the future.  Often we learn and grow most when we fail.  Peter's failure had a purpose, molding him and shaping him to be the leader in the early church God needed him to be.  I'm grateful God has not given up on me in the many times that I have failed.  Nor has God given up on you.  By God's grace, when we fall, we can get back up.  And when we get back up, God can use us in God's plan, even as he used Peter.