Growing Through Failing, Part 2

“‘Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.’ But he said to Him, ‘Lord, with You I am ready to go both to prison and to death!’ And He said, ‘I say to you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me.’” Luke 22:31-34

If you had taken a poll of Christ’s apostles before His arrest and crucifixion, no doubt Peter would have been voted, “most loyal.” Of all Jesus’ followers, Peter seemingly possessed all of the right qualities for unquestioned leadership. He was honest, unafraid of challenge, and eager to learn. When Jesus took His inner circle along on special occasions, Peter was always included.

But when the darkness of Gethsemane and Calvary drew near, Peter failed, denying his Lord and retreating into the sorrow of regret. Peter, like most of us, had relied on his superior talents and commanding personality during his apprenticeship with Christ. When the crisis of Calvary appeared, however, the fault line of human frailty appeared and shattered Peter’s confidence.
                   
It is still so with all of us who draw near to the cross. We must come to the place were reliance upon our own resources - education, appearance, personality, abilities - is ended. Then we can move into the life and power that our indwelling Christ longs to impart.

Christ is the Victor over sin and death. He is our victory over dominating traits and particular affections. When we fail in our strength, we are ready to trust in the One Who will never fail us.

“...Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?” Galatians 3:3