We know that God never fails us, but have you ever failed in your faith toward God? I have, and in my struggle to see restoration God gave me insight into the story of a man who failed in his faith–the Apostle Peter.
Peter was a rock. He was confident and outspoken. When confronted with the issue that Jesus was about to die, Peter affirmed that he would stay by His side–even if that required prison or death. Unfortunately Peter didn’t live up to that promise, but rather his faith failed him as Jesus has predicted.
Luke 22 tells the story of Jesus telling Peter that he would deny the Messiah three times. He informed Peter that Satan had desired to sift him. He then goes on to tell Peter that He had prayed for him, and when he returned to his faith he was to strengthen his brethren.
I believe we all go through times where our faith fails. Certainly I hope these times get fewer and farther between as we mature in Christ, but I believe there are times when the enemy, Satan, seeks to sift each of us as wheat. I believe there are times when he makes special provision to sift and stir and attack our faith without measure. This was just such a time for Peter. He was singled out as a target for all of hell’s fury. The intent was to completely destroy the Apostle of God.
As we read the story of Peter’s failure we can see his fall from grace into a period of depression. From my own experiences I can imagine how he must have felt. I’m sure that Satan reminded him of Jesus’ own words “But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven (Matthew 10:33). This is exactly what Peter had done. I can imagine the sifting that was taking place, the thoughts of failure, wasted time, all the failed promises, the failed hopes–all of this running over and over through his mind. The sifting is underway, taking Peter down lower and lower with each passing thought.
As we continue the story in John 21 we can see the despair in Peter’s life. He has given up hope and decides to return to his former life’s work–fishing. I can imagine that he says to himself, “What’s the use? I might as well give up and go back to something I know how to do.” And then when things couldn’t get any worse, Peter fishes all night and catches nothing. “What a waste of time! I don’t even know how to fish anymore. I’ve wasted three years of my life.”
Ever been there? Ever been so discouraged that you just want to give up? I have, and I know I’m not alone. Scripture gives many examples of Godly men and women who came to this place in their lives.
All of this is comforting to know that when we fail in our faith and become discouraged and downcast, we are not alone. But what is more comforting is that Jesus is still there waiting for us. John 21 continues to tell that as Peter neared the shore, Jesus was waiting for him on the shore and called out to see if the fishermen had caught anything. When they answered with a negative Jesus replied, “Cast your net on the other side.” What a coincidence. That is exactly how Jesus called Peter at the beginning of his ministry.
When Peter realizes the man on the shore is Jesus he does what every depressed, discouraged, downcast soul should do. He ran to the Savior forsaking everyone and everything behind him. He left the great catch of fish, the financial security, the business was no longer his priority. The priority was once again to sit at the Master’s feet and receive restoration. And what is even more encouraging to me is the loving way Jesus restores and recommissioned Peter to his call.
Satan desired Peter, to sift him as wheat. Satan does not know the future, but he can tell when the hand of God is on a person’s life. Satan’s plan was to destroy the man God had chosen to preach the first message to the church in Acts 2. Through the Holy Spirit’s use of the Apostle Peter the church grew quickly with 3,000 coming to faith in Christ on the first day alone. No wonder Satan wanted to sift Peter. No wonder he wanted to get so discouraged that he would give up and quit.
When you come to the place in life where you are being sifted and you consider giving up, don’t. Remember, there is a reason that Satan wants to sift you like wheat–He sees the potential of the promise of God in your life–even when you can’t. Instead of giving up and feeling sorry for yourself, do as David did when he was at the point of giving up (1 Sam 30:6); strengthen yourself in the Lord, and remember all his benefits. Turn to the Word of God and meditate on the promises. Lift up the sacrifice of Praise for the spirit of heaviness. Build your faith by spending time in God’s Word. Do like Peter, jump out of the boat and run for Jesus with all your might. Sit at his feet and watch how quickly He will restore you.
Good post. Trust and obey is certainly easier said than done.