As followers of Christ, we all experience times when our faith is in question or specific times when we act as if we really don't believe what God says. Surprisingly, "denying Christ" is something that Jesus knew his followers would struggle with in a sin-tainted world. (Keep in mind that our failures in following Christ do not disqualify our relationship with Christ as illustrated in John 21.) At times, all believers act as if they may not know Jesus.
Before his crucifixion, Jesus warned Peter that a time was coming when Peter would flat-out deny his faith. Jesus warned his disciples that "Satan had asked to sift them as a farmer would sift and separate wheat.-- (my paraphrase)" and that all the disciples must consider the pressures that awaited them. (Luke 22:31)
Interestingly, although Jesus had given a foreboding prophetic word concerning the disciples lack of faith, in Luke 22:32, Jesus offered these encouraging words. "But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."
In the same acknowledgement that his disciples would be scattered, Jesus alluded to them being regathered. In the face of impending failure, Jesus offered great hope and a ministry of encouragement as each of his followers forsakes the sin of denial and "turns back" to the pathway of radical devotion. That is a mark of a true follower of Christ.
Be encouraged that you have a specific ministry flowing out of your repentance. After times of neglecting our walk with Christ, we are tempted to pull away from our personal relationships with other believers. Jesus' advice when considering our temporary failures, is to minister to one another and strengthen one another to be faithful.
What can you do today to use your temporary failures as a means to encourage other believers to be strengthened with faith? Act on it!
Comments