And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” Luke 22:31-32
Recently, I almost gave up on my assignment. On top of discouragement, I felt like a loser for struggling in my faith.
You shouldn’t doubt after walking with Jesus for so many years, right? Wrong.
I forgot it’s natural to lose grip strength after you’ve held on a long time. I’ll be natural until Jesus comes back so I’m thankful for the Holy Spirit’s ministry and the Apostle Peter’s testimony!
Peter had bold faith, he experienced the supernatural, and yet doubted. More importantly, Jesus knew he would. He knew Satan would sift Peter, Peter would deny knowing Jesus, doubt his calling, and give up. Isn’t Jesus’ counter interesting? “I prayed that your faith should not fail.” Wouldn’t you say walking away from his call qualifies as failed faith. It’s not, according to Jesus.
Failed faith is faith eclipsed by failure. It’s when your failure looms so large in your eyes it shuts out faith.
When Peter quit ministry, and went back to fishing, Jesus met him at the lake and gave him fishing tips. Peter didn’t know who coached him until John said it was Jesus. Hearing that, Peter dropped his enormous catch and took off toward Jesus. Why? Despite Peter’s shortcomings, Jesus abundantly blessed him. Experiencing such grace drew him to Jesus.
No matter how loud failure rings in your ears, even failure to believe, Jesus keeps speaking to you. He’ll confirm what He’s saying through others around you so keep listening, even when it’s hard to believe. Faith can’t help but rise to silence the voice of doubt.
When it does, go strengthen your brethren…
Vine Life Faith 