In this devo, I will write about a subject of which I must say—with great confidence—is an area of expertise. Yes, I will be boasting here. For I’ve been well-trained and have lots of experience in it. My subject? Failure. No one wants to experience it, but you and I have both come to know it up close and personal.
The apostle Peter knew what it felt like to fail Jesus. Hours before Peter caved, Jesus warned the disciple that he would deny Him (Luke 22:34). This was more than simply a prophetic possibility. It was a done deal. Later, Jesus took His disciples out to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray and to prepare for “the time when the power of darkness [would reign]” (Luke 22:53; Matthew 26:36-45). Prayer strengthened Jesus as He surrendered to God’s will (Luke 22:41-43; Mark 14:36). It could have also provided Peter with God’s peace and power, but he slept instead of praying (Mark 14:37).
Peter had underestimated the severity of his trial. His self-sufficiency, self-confidence, and self-dependence ultimately led to self-deception, which fueled his pride (see Isaiah 2:22; Psalm 62:9). Pride was the cause of Peter’s failure (Proverbs 16:18). He boasted too much and prayed too little. Rejecting Jesus’ warning, Peter didn’t seek God’s power, provision, and protection through prayer (Luke 22:32). In the end, the impulsive disciple denied Jesus three times.
When the rooster crowed, Peter was reminded of the sovereignty of Jesus and the infallibility of His Word (Luke 22:61). Peter’s word was proved fallible, but God’s Word is infallible.
The crowing of the rooster signaled the dawn of a new day. It also ushered in a new beginning for Peter as he wept bitterly over his failure and repented of it (Luke 22:62). What failure against Jesus will you confess to Him today?
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 1 Kings 22:29-40
More:
Years later, Peter wrote down some wise instruction that reflects what he learned the hard way (see 1 Peter 5:5-9). How do his words help you?
Next:
What does “denying” Christ mean to you in your life? What are some ways Christians are tempted to “deny” Jesus today?
lindagma on April 22, 2011 at 6:36 am
Oh! Amen and Amen. What a vicious circle of being confident as God’s child and proud of our own abilities. Doing good works for Him and taking the credit. Being over-confident and falling on our face in embarrassment. What JOY! it will be to spend eternity with Him and be rid of the struggle. Humbleness is the mighty challenge…no wonder God hates pride.
Soldier4Christ on April 22, 2011 at 9:20 am
So often in life I talk a good game much the way that Peter did and I fail much like Peter did. The only way that I can stand in complete confidence is if I fully
place my trust in Jesus.
lak on April 22, 2011 at 12:06 pm
k.t. … In the last handful of days, the Lord has granted me to see more clearly how I came to depend on my flesh in an area. The consequence of my dependence was painful and humbling … a gift from heaven to be sure.
Thank you for writing so succinctly on this subject. You have encouraged me.
Good Friday to you!