FAILED, BUT JESUS IS NOT FINISHED

The wonderful truth about the Bible is that the Bible tells the truth. God has not given us a Word about biblical characters, and He has not shielded us from the realities that they have flaws.  The men and women we have esteemed greatly because of their faith were just people. In various times of trials they failed, they fell, they disappointed themselves and the Lord.

Peter becomes a very good person for us to focus on because Peter was someone who walked with the Lord. Through this study on spiritual warfare we have concluded that there are spirits that war with us and that they battle for territory that is in our minds, that is unguarded, unclaimed, and/or neglected. Sometimes in our carelessness we find ourselves attacked and we are not ready. Lock that thought in as you frame Peter. Peter was a man of natural courage. He was impetuous with a strong personality, a natural leader who emerged to the forefront of the disciples and always the one who had something to say in response to Jesus.

 The phrase, ‘Impetuous Peter’ shows that he had the great propensity for ‘foot-in-mouth’, because there are people who speak confidently, but speak erroneously. They make promisses that they may very well intend to keep, but their promises are nothing more than puff.  Peter is that kind of man with well intentions who undoubtedly loved the Lord.  Nevertheless, he is our example today of a person who can be unguarded and captured and influenced and controlled in their thinking.  Truth be told today, there are many of us who lose this battle from time to time.

Does failure have to mean finish? No, it does not. Jesus had committed somethings to Peter, things of eternal proportions. He had an agenda for Peter and He commended him, because there was something special about Peter. How about you?

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father. Thank You for Your Word and every example written for our admonition. Thank You that every part of Your Word is truth and thank You for the example of one who loved You and yet failed You. Through Peter, You have shown us ourselves and it causes us to repent. Oh Lord, help us to recognize Your great call, the things you have committed to us, and Your plan for our lives so that we can stand when the enemy buffets us with a reviling accusation or spiritual attack. We will bless Your name forever. In Jesus name I pray,  Amen!
By Pastor Wayne Cockrell
Taken from “Failed, But Jesus is Not Finished”