Jesus knew that Peter would deny him that night. Keeping a safe distance from those who had arrested Jesus, Peter followed them through the dark streets of Jerusalem. He did his best to blend in. Perhaps it was his accent that betrayed him, but sitting with the local people around a courtyard fire, Peter denied Jesus three times. It happened just as Jesus said it would. “Peter, let me tell you something. Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me” (Luke22:34 NLT).
Jesus could have stopped Peter. The Lord could have sent an angel to whack him, or simply silenced Peter’s tongue. We know from Scripture that God’s done things like that before. But Jesus’ intention for Peter transcended the time and circumstances of those moments. He knew Peter would need to grow in faith to one day lead the Early Church in Jerusalem (cf. Matt. 16:18; Acts 15:7-9). Interestingly we notice that Jesus did not pray that Peter would not deny Him; rather, He “pleaded in prayer” for Peter, that his “faith should not fail.” Jesus also knew that in just a matter of days Peter would leap from his fishing boat and run to Him to repent (cf. John 21:7-19). Some might view Peter’s denial of Christ as personal failure. Perhaps they’d be right. But a mistake is not always a failure! Often, unexpected benefits and greater opportunities rise out of adversity. And so it was with Peter. Ultimately, God used this event in Peter’s life to mature him. What Peter learned as he navigated the process, would equip and enable him to strengthen his brothers, thus fulfilling God’s purpose and intention for him (cf. Luke 22:31-32).
We’ve all had times when we’ve asked God, “Why would You let me get into this mess?” or “Why didn’t You stop me?” Could He? Yes. Will He always? Not likely. For just like Christ’s intentions for Peter, He has greater plans and purposes for us than we could even hope or imagine. Thankfully, “He lives forever to intercede with God on [our] behalf” (Heb. 7:25b). Through the dark valleys and difficult struggles of life, Jesus walks with us. As He does, just like He did for Peter, He prays that our faith will not fail, not that we will never experience failure. If we will change our perception of and our response to failure, and develop a repentant and teachable attitude like Peter’s, God will use the adversity in our lives as vehicles of strength to us. Why? So that we will never lose hope or cease to grow. And the best news? It’s not about us! If we let Him, God will turn our mistakes into stepping stones to equip and empower us to strengthen those around us. The joy and fulfillment that comes from participating in what God’s doing in and through others is astonishing. If Peter can rise up and grow from his mistakes, so can we! I’m ready and willing—how about you?
Maureen is an ordained minister in the Foursquare Church and a Certified John Maxwell Team Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Along with her husband Lance, she serves as a member of the Servant’s Council at The Church on the Way, where they also provide pastoral leadership for the Grief Recovery Ministries.
