Some thoughts about Simon Peter

“'Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of 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

1. He knew.  He knew what was coming, He knew what Simon Peter would do, how Peter would deny Him, deny all the years spent following Him.

But He also knew that Simon Peter would turn back.  He knew the remorse that would come, the despair, the need for hope.  He knew it was a when, not an if.  He knew what Simon Peter could be, would be.

He knew the ending of the story, and He didn't give up on Simon Peter.

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2. Sifting: to isolate that which is most important or useful.
Satan thought that the sifting would reveal the ugliest parts of Simon Peter.  And he did.  But it also led Simon Peter to sift through his own soul-searching to find confidence and faith in redemption and grace.

"we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame..."    ~Romans 5:3-5

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3. He asked for Simon Peter's faith not to fail.  But Simon Peter denied him, did not prove his trust in the sovereignty of His plan.

So, I guess that a fall, a failure does not make.  Rather, it is whether there is a turning back that determines whether one's faith has failed or not.

Oh what mercies He lavishes on us!