I Have Prayed For Thee


 Luke 22
31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 
32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. 
33 And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. 
34 And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.

What was Peter thinking? How could he claim to be so strong and good and then deny Christ three times? How could he be so fickle!

No.


One time I got a 94% on a test (ha one time). That happened right after I found out I had received a half tuition scholarship and right before I got my dream job teaching at the Missionary Training Center. I had also just started dating someone. I felt so good. I felt extremely blessed, and that gave me a lot of confidence.

Every once in awhile I have a great experience or series of experiences that make me feel so on top of the world. I feel like I can take on anything, and I essentially say in my mind "Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death," and then moments later I find myself denying Christ with my actions. Probably plenty more than three times.

When Peter realized what he had done after denying Christ thrice, he "went out and wept bitterly." I have felt that. I have been in that moment looking back at the time I felt so blessed and so confident that I would be strong.

This isn't just a story about Peter; it is an outline of something that happens to us on a monthly or weekly basis. Next time you feel that despite the amazing experiences you've had, you're on the verge of weeping bitterly at the times your actions and choices denied Christ, think about who Peter became after Christ left him to lead the believers. The Lord prayed for Peter. He has prayed for you. Who will you become?

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