Theme: A Week with Peter

Prepared for the Day of Testing

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” But he said to Him, “Lord, with You I am ready to go both to prison and to death!” And He said, “I say to you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me.” (Luke 22:31-34 )

Did Peter tremble as these words washed over him?

A substantial test was coming and coming quickly.
Did Peter find comfort that Jesus prayed for him?

Major tests are coming for each of us as well.
Will our faith fail or will we be empowered to stand by the Holy Spirit?  Assuredly, Jesus intercedes on our behalf, also (John 17, Romans 8:34).  Peter thought he was ready for the “sifting,” even prison or death.  Was it fear that paralyzed Peter’s faith?  Was he afraid for himself, or his family?  We do not know, but Jesus demands the throne of our heart.  Not self, nor spouse, nor parent, nor child can occupy His place.  

Scripture reinforces our faith for the coming assaults.  Will we be prepared?  Peter “wept bitterly” after failing Jesus.  We will reap the harvest of our “fear” if we do not prepare for battles that are coming.

Ephesians 6:10-18 says,

“Finally, be strong in the LORD, and in the strength of His might.  Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.  Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.  With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for the saints,”

Isaiah 43:1-3a says,

“But now, thus says the LORD, your Creator, O Jacob,  And He who formed you, O Israel, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;  I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.  For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;”

Jesus prayed for Peter and his prayer was answered.  Once Peter turned back, he boldly strengthened his brothers. After our resurrected LORD encouraged him to “feed His sheep,” Peter fearlessly preached on Pentecost, taught and baptized Gentiles, traveled extensively and planted churches.  History teaches that Peter went to his death humbly requesting to be crucified “upside-down” because he felt he was unworthy to die as Jesus died.

Decades after his denials of Jesus, Peter, through the Holy Spirit, records these reassuring words:

“His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.  For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.”  (2 Peter 1:3-4)

Paul also warns and reassures us through this scripture:

“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.  No temptation has overtaken you but such as it common to man, and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:12-13)

Holy God and Father,
We love You and desire to serve You wholeheartedly.  Father, help us remember Peter and many other examples You have supplied.  Failure will happen, but recovery is possible in You.  Help us fear You alone. Prepare us for the mounting assaults against our faith in You.  Remind us of the crippling effect that fear and pride have on our faith and witness.  Thank You, Father, for the grace and mercy You grant to us over and over again.
In the holy name of Jesus, Amen.

Mischelle Oliver

Stephenville, Texas