To Fulfill

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”
Luke 22:31-32 NLT

Jesus knew that Peter would deny Him, not once, but three times, and He had already prayed - interceded with the Father on his behalf - that Peter's faith would not fail. Jesus knew Peter would beat himself up over it. The guilt and shame would be overwhelming. 

He knew that Peter wrestled with his flesh and manly pride, but He also knew Peter's heart. It was Peter who had declared with deep conviction, "You are the Christ! The Son of the living God!" 

Jesus knew Peter would fall, yet He foretold His love and grace when He said, so when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers... Jesus fully expected Peter to fulfill God's purpose for his life.

We have all fallen at one time or another. What have we done with it? Have we stayed buried under the guilt and shame? Have we deemed ourselves unworthy of fulfilling God's plan and purpose for us? No. NO. NO! Christ is ever interceding for us at the right hand of the Father (Romans 8:34). Right this minute, Jesus is pleading in prayer for us, that our faith should not fail. So when we have repented and turned to Him yet again, we are to strengthen those around us. Go ye therefore...

Prayer:

Father,

          Thank You for Your love and grace. Thank You that Your Son is ever interceding for us, praying for us. Thank You for Your strength and wisdom that You so freely give to us. We want to fulfill Matthew 28:19-20, to go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. And to teach these new disciples to obey all the commands You have given us, knowing that You will keep Your promise to be with us always. Help us, O God. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen