Are You Denying Christ?

A gate in Galilee, photo by Andy Lee

Written by, Laura Menefee

“You are not one of his disciples, are you?”
 “I am not.” replied Peter.
 “Didn’t I see you with Him in the olive grove?”
 Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.
 This was the third time that Peter denied that he knew the Lord (John 18:25-27).

A haunting scene. As soon as the denial slipped out of Peter's fearful mouth, the memory of Jesus' words flashed back. Peter had promised he'd follow Jesus even unto death.

“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).

Can you imagine hearing these words from Jesus? 

Have you ever had a time in your life when you failed God?  Perhaps you made a decision that you knew He did not want you to make.  Perhaps you face an addiction that you try day after day to break, yet you seem to fall right back into the habit.  Maybe you can’t stand the pressure.  It is just too much at times to fight the fight and live a Holy and pleasing life.  Maybe you secretly long to do just whatever with no thought of the repercussions. 

It is easy to wonder why Simon Peter would walk away from the Lord whom he chose to follow.  It’s easy to blame him and think, “How could he do that?"   

Peter is not alone though. Many of us have failed Christ too.

But Jesus prayed for Simon Peter.  He also prays for you and me.  

I recently went through a time of severe spiritual attack.  I felt the presence of warfare as strong as being on the battlefield.  I felt alone—like no one was there fighting with me.  The truth is that the God of heaven and of earth was praying for me that I would not lose faith, that I would be strong and trust in Him.

I tried and tried to keep the faith and be strong but I failed.  

I no longer feel like I am living in that battlefield.  I feel relief, but I also realize what I lost by giving in. I regret being weak. 

But I’m encouraged by this passage and its truth. It reminds me that God will still use me even when I fail. I love when Christ says, “And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” 

Simon Peter went on to be used by God in a great way. God still had a plan and a purpose for his life.  He also has a plan and a purpose for us. 

Are you letting a failure in your life hold you back?  Don’t allow yourself to be held captive any longer.  Give what you have and what you are to God.  Let Him do the work to use the heart that you have for him.  Simon Peter did!

Bio:   Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder in 1998, Laura Menefee has learned to live through very painful emotional times. She shares her experience through writing and speaking, hoping to bring awareness. She lives in Wilmington NC, but is originally from Northern Kentucky.