And when you have turned again,
strengthen your brothers.
- Luke 22:32
Jesus told Peter three things: 1) You have a target on your back and will falter; 2) I've prayed for you; 3) You are already forgiven, and you will (re)turn. When you do, you will be a rock to many.
God sees what we cannot. He knows what we do not. He is preparing us for his purposes.
Swash this around in your brain:
No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.
- 1 Corinthians 2:9
You and I will fail at times. We will have moments of doubt and faithlessness. But that is not the end of our story.
As in Peter's case, Jesus prays for us. (Take a quick look at Romans 8:34 and Hebrews 7:25). His offer is not one of condemnation, but forgiveness. He has a future planned for us, and he is preparing us for that future.
"... and when you have turned..."
God, I turn to you.
For now...
D
