In many ways for me, 2008 was a tough year. It was one of those "character building" years; the type of year where you are given plenty of opportunity for growth and change. 2008 did change me. Through it, I realized first hand it is the tough times that change us, for the good, or for the bad- ultimately, it's our choice.
I have talked to a number of people (believers) that have experienced a similar year in 2008. Many are worn out, battered and confused. As I sought the Lord for a message for our bible study last week, this message was birthed in my heart.
It began in Matthew's account of the Last Supper, in chapter 26. In that account, (paraphrased) Jesus tells his followers that all of them will betray Him. Peter promises that though everyone else may, he will not. Later in the same chapter, in verses 69-75 after Peter HAS fled with the other apostles, he is confronted three times and denies knowing Jesus to the point of cursing, and Jesus' prophetic statement becomes a reality. Into chapter 28 of Matthew (v 1-7) the followers approach the tomb of Jesus only to find it empty. In Mark's account in chapter 16, verses 5-7 reveal something specific that Matthew's account does not reveal.
5And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
6And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.
7But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.
Did you notice that? The angel said "Tell the disciples AND PETER".. he specifically names Peter. Why did he do that? Peter had to be at the place where he was completely detached from the Lord by reason of his denial. He must have been a spiritual and emotional wreck. Surely he thought his "service to the Lord" would no longer be required. But God is a God of restoration. Even when we feel at our lowest point, He hasn't given up on us, He hasn't left us. He didn't do it in Peter's case, and thank God He is no respecter of persons.
In John chapter 21, Jesus returns and offers Peter a chance to repent. He lovingly confronts him face to face. Jesus wants to be SURE that Peter understands that the love of God is still being extended toward him and that God still has a plan for his life.
As I studied these passages, I heard the Lord say a few things in my heart:
Don't give up. Don't quit.
Don't stop believing God for what He has placed in your heart.
Don't give up on your faith.
Don't think your life doesn't matter, doesn't count, isn't important, or isn't having a positive effect.
Don't think that God has forgotten you, forsaken you, or doesn't care.
This was His admonishment; to me, to those in our study, and to Believers everywhere. Peter probably had similar thoughts that came against him. Stay tuned for the second half.