"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back,
strengthen your brothers."
(LUKE 22:31-32)
Think about the biggest mistake you ever made in your life. Did you cry out to the Lord, “How could this happen?” Maybe you felt like Peter who “went out and wept bitterly” (Luke 22:62) after he denied Christ three times.
After a mental breakdown over an adulterous wife, I made choices that put me in prison for many years. I thank God there were no serious injuries during my rampage and that the Lord, my true intercessor, is healing the minds and spirits of all the people involved, including me.
I began searching the Bible for answers. I had read today’s passage many times and thought about how amazing it is that Jesus prayed for Peter, yet Peter seems to have failed miserably. Or did he? Peter did fail in the flesh. But what did Jesus really tell him? He would restore Peter so that his faith would thrive, so he would repent, and so that he would strengthen others. Jesus knew Peter would fail in the flesh, just like we do, but He intercedes for you and me every day. Praise God that our faith is sure in Christ!
After a mental breakdown over an adulterous wife, I made choices that put me in prison for many years. I thank God there were no serious injuries during my rampage and that the Lord, my true intercessor, is healing the minds and spirits of all the people involved, including me.
I began searching the Bible for answers. I had read today’s passage many times and thought about how amazing it is that Jesus prayed for Peter, yet Peter seems to have failed miserably. Or did he? Peter did fail in the flesh. But what did Jesus really tell him? He would restore Peter so that his faith would thrive, so he would repent, and so that he would strengthen others. Jesus knew Peter would fail in the flesh, just like we do, but He intercedes for you and me every day. Praise God that our faith is sure in Christ!
Scripture Focus
Romans 8:34-39
Insight
WRITTEN BY KEVIN SHELLEDY, AGE 58, SERVING HIS 7TH YEAR OF A 20-YEAR SENTENCE FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER AND ARSON.
Bible In A Year
- Exodus 35-36
- Psalm 43
- Luke 7