God’s Passion
31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 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
My Passion
11 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.
2 Tim 1:11-12
God created you, loves you, and believes in you.
Failures discourage us. I have had failures that shook me to my core to a point that I strongly believed God must have mistaken me for someone else. How could God choose someone like me to serve him? Yet, when we read about Peter and frankly, every spiritual giant in history, who doesn’t have his/her weakness? Who didn’t fail God at some point in their lives? Who is flawless and faultless?! Nobody. When Peter was at his worst, Jesus believed in him and foresaw that one day he would turn back and be an encouragement for other brothers.
I think it’s true that the more weaknesses and failures we have, the more encouragement we can become. It’s not our own strength to do good or accomplish things for God but God’s grace and power. What we can do but rely on God and believe in Him.
Like Peter, Paul failed God big time. He called himself a chief sinner. Based on his own “resume”, he would disqualify himself for any service to God. But by the calling and the mercy of God, he became the minister of the gospel. He suffered for the cause and believes that he was called to spread the gospel for the rest of his life. I certainly don’t have Paul’s courage but I’m definitely inspired by his comeback, from a chef sinner to the most impactful Christian ever.
So, are you convinced? Do you believe that God has started the good work in you and HE WILL FINISH IT? Do you believe you are God’s masterpiece? Do you believe God will use you no matter how weak, foolish or little you are? Do you believe it’s not me but God?
Prayer:
Jesus, Thank you for not giving up on us. You don’t judge us by our worst moments and please help us not to. Lord, I believe, help my unbelief. Amen
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