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

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

8 Related Resources by Heartlight

Spurgeon PM Devo for Jan. 11th
Devo: Morning & Evening
"How encouraging is the thought of the Redeemer's never- ceasing intercession for us. When we pray, he pleads for us; and when we are not praying, he....."
Failure Isn't Fatal...
Article by Phil Ware
More than just celebrating the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, we should also celebrate the power of the Lord to forgive and restore us beyond our sinful stumbles. Phil Ware reminds us of a powerful truth that lies behind Pentecost Sunday and the failure of the apostles that Jesus didn't consider ultimate failure.
Failure: Springboard to Success
Article by Rubel Shelly
What can we learn from our own failures? Don't quit in the middle of failure, but understand it is part of the learning and growing process.
A Turnaround
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Seeker of truth, For several days, I will continue talking to you about restoring Peter back to ministry after his three denials on the night of..."
See All 8 Related Resources about Luke 22:31-32

Illustration

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

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, December 7, 2023

Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Author Unknown:
"Oh forgive us Lord, for so often we seek the things in your hand rather than the things of your heart."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Your Resurrection: Certain and Glorious!'
"Dear Disciple, The verses for today involve a group called the Sadducees. They were trying to trap Me in something they could use to turn people..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Psalms 91:5
"What is this terror? It may be the cry of fire, or the noise of thieves, or fancied appearances, or the shriek of sudden sickness or death. We live in..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'More Than Any Other' (Mk. 12:42-44)
"A poor widow dropped in two small coins, worth less than a cent. He called his disciples and said to them, "I can guarantee this truth: This poor..."

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.

More What Jesus Did!