by Sandy Kirby Quandt

I’ve been rather introspective of late. I’ve thought of things I could have done better. Situations where I should have acted differently. Words spoken that would have been better left unsaid.

Could have. Should have. Would Have. Ever been there?

Of course, on the flip side of all that there were days I did get it right. I did the correct thing. Latched onto the opportunity. Said the right words.

But not always, and that’s what’s bugging me right now.

And that’s what got me thinking about one of Jesus’ followers. Peter.

He meant well. He tried hard. Yet, he also failed. Not all the time, mind you, but often enough we have a record of the times he fell listed with the times he rose above.

Jesus told Peter ahead of time Satan asked to sift him like wheat. He followed that bleak news with a promise, however. Jesus was praying for Peter.

I believe Satan asks to sift us, too. Don’t you think?

Why wouldn’t he? After all, he wants us to believe his lies and fail miserable as a result. The great news is, just as Jesus promised to pray for Peter, he prays for us, too.

It encourages me to know Jesus didn’t wash his hands of Peter when he failed and let Jesus down. Nope. Jesus loved him regardless. In fact, Jesus knew before Peter was ever born, and definitely before he chose Peter as one of the four in his inner circle, that Peter would deny ever knowing Jesus.

So, remembering Peter didn’t always live up to the standard set before him, and the fact Jesus continued to love him and died for him, and welcomed Peter with open arms gives me hope. It gives me confidence.

Because of God’s unconditional love I can keep moving forward toward the goal set before me by the power of Christ in me.

Even when I fall sometimes.

Jesus won’t wash his hands of us. In fact, he holds his arms open wide for us to come running into his safe embrace.

Isn’t that a comforting thought?

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“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to have you, to sift you like wheat, but I have pleaded in prayer for you that your faith should not completely fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen and build up the faith of your brothers.” Luke 22:31-32 (TLB)

I wish you well.

Sandy

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