What to Do When I Fail With All My Heart?
Often I have heard sermons on Peter’s denial. I have listened intently as pastors explained the different analogies concerning why Peter failed this test. I have heard it explained that Peter failed because he followed Jesus at a distance or that he became too concerned for his own life. Others commentaries say that he stood with the wrong crowd as he warmed himself by the fire. We wish we could find a reason for his failure. Then we would find the formula that prevents us from stumbling as well. My heart so longs to love God better!! I want to be a testimony for Him. I want to always present Him well. I wish I could find the truth as to why despite my desire to please Him, to love Him and to follow Him; sometimes, I make a mess of it all. When that happens, then, like Peter—all I can do is to fall before God’s throne of Grace to weep a little while.
Peter truly loved the Master. He had left everything to follow Him. At times, Peter was a bit tempestuous like the sea he had fished in. Yet, his heart longed to please the Master. This had been a long night as Jesus told them that He must go away so that the Comforter would come. Jesus tried to prepare them; but, Peter didn’t really want to hear this. He didn’t know how He would survive without Jesus being present to guide Him. Was it fear that caused Peter to deny Jesus? I don’t think so. Peter had pulled out his sword in front of a cohort of soldiers; but, Jesus told him to put it away. Peter had followed while others had scattered. He didn’t know what the plan was next. He needed Jesus to tell him the plan. “Where do I go now? What do I do now? If I am not to fight for you, then what?” Haven’t you been there? I have. In those moments of waiting when you feel so lost and alone, uncertain as to what the next step is. Those moments when you are praying with all your heart and soul not to fail God; then, you find yourself flat on your face in the mud anyway.
THE DILEMMA OF OUR SIN NATURE
“21 It seems to be a fact of life that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. 22 I love to do God’s will so far as my new nature is concerned; 23-25 but there is something else deep within me, in my lower nature, that is at war with my mind and wins the fight and makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. In my mind I want to be God’s willing servant, but instead I find myself still enslaved to sin. So you see how it is: my new life tells me to do right, but the old nature that is still inside me loves to sin. Oh, what a terrible predicament I’m in! Who will free me from my slavery to this deadly lower nature? Thank God! It has been done[c]by Jesus Christ our Lord. He has set me free” (Romans 7: 21-25 TLB).
SO NOW WHAT?
Do I just throw in the towel? Do I just quit because I can’t get it right? Absolutely NOT!! I must keep getting back up; knowing that the final victory has already been won. The war was already won at Calvary!! I may be covered with scars from the battles I face. I may have a broken hearted love; but, it is love that draws me ever closer to my Savior and King. I may think at times, much like Peter thought, that God could never use a fool like me. Then, God comes and He finds me where ever I am-even in those moments when I have gone to hide my face. He seeks me out and once more He asks me, “Do you love me?” To which I too must respond, “Lord, you know that I do!!” Then, child, get up and go feed my sheep. “But Lord, who will listen to one such as I?” “Oh, my dear Child; that is my job!! I chose you—though fragile you may be; so that, my power may be known.” (See 2 Corinthians 4). So, then what are the steps to getting up again and the steps to victory?
STEPS TO VICTORY
1. Bring all your burdens, your guilt, and your shame to the foot of the cross where Jesus bore it for you. Lay it there and start again, fresh, new now!!
2. Keep seeking His face every day through prayer and studying of the scripture. Ask God to reveal to you His plan—let the Spirit guide you toward the next step, then take it boldly.
3. When trials come, ask God to reveal to reveal to you His sustaining hand through it. Ask Him to fill you with His overflowing strength, hope and joy to face it.
4. Remember that Jesus has prayed that your faith may not fail. What more could you ask for than His intercessory prayer for you!! Satan may try to sift your faith; but, God will be the anchor that holds you steady in every storm that comes your way.
5. NEVER forget, that it is by Grace that you are saved—God’s Grace for every moment of your past which was covered by the blood of Christ the moment you believed. God’s Grace for this very moment to sustain you. Even more incredible, God’s promised Future Grace for the next second of your life and every second to follow from now through eternity.
“15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
So, dear pilgrim; where ever you are along this journey of faith, God can use you. Have you failed and think He can never use you again? Think again!! There in the midst of your brokenness, He will reach forth His hand of loving grace to show you the mighty things that He can do in you and through you. [bctt tweet=”Peter denied Christ 3 times that night; yet, God used Peter to launch the spread of the gospel.”] [bctt tweet=”Peter humbly knew the work was God’s and only God’s Power could perform it.”] [bctt tweet=”Peter knew that it was God’s Unfathomable Grace that allowed Peter to be the vessel used.”]
The Song I chose for you is: I Will Trust In You by Lauren Daigle
Living Bible (TLB) The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
The portrait is under copyright and owned by Ronald Barba. It is used by permission here. For information regarding obtaining copies go to http://fineartamerica.com/featured/broken-and-contrite-heart-ronald-barba.html
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.