What Jesus Did! 'Overcoming Failure' — Luke 22:31-32

Thursday, December 7, 2023

[Jesus continued,] "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers."
— Luke 22:31-32 NLT

Key Thought

Most of us would define Peter's denials of the Lord as failures. In some of Jesus' worst moments, Peter denied he had any connection with the Lord [1] even though a short time before his denials, he had been adamant that he would never turn away from the Lord. [2] We must learn two very important lessons. First, our failures don't have to be the defining characteristic of our walk with Jesus. Peter was weak and stumbled, but because of his sincere repentance, the Lord's help, and the power of the Holy Spirit, he was used mightily by the Lord. We must never relegate anyone, not even ourselves, to the junk heap for letting the Lord down at one time or another. He is gracious and compassionate and will forgive our sins when we genuinely repent. Second, the Lord can use our failures to equip us to serve others in his family better.

[1] Matthew 26:69-74.
[2] Matthew 26:33-35.

Today's Prayer

Father, please forgive me for the times I've given up on one of your other children or on myself because of failures in faith. Help me to be more gracious to others and to myself and more committed to helping all of us see our opportunities to serve through the brokenness of our stumblings. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Matthew 18:21-22
  • James 5:19-20
  • Romans 14:1-4

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 22:31-32 NLT — "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat."

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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