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Friday, December 7, 2007
Redefining Failure
"Satan (the devil) has asked to test you men like a farmer
tests his wheat. O Simon, Simon (Peter), I have prayed that
you will not lose your faith! Help your brothers be stronger
when you come back to me."
-- Luke 22:31-32 (ERV)
KEY THOUGHT:
Most of us would define Peter's denials of the Lord as failure. In
Jesus' worst moments, Peter was denying he had any connection with the
Lord even though a short before his denials, he had been adamant that
he would never turn away from the Lord. 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 deep 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 sin when we genuinely repent. Second, the Lord can use our
failures to make us equipped to better serve others in his family.
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.
>> NEW: Phil's What Jesus Did devotional is now
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>> The WJD! web page has related scriptures and the
>> full text of today's key passage. Read it at:
http://www.heartlight.org/wjd/luke/1207-wjd.html
>> For further study of today's passage, use our
>> online Bible study site: SearchGodsWord.org!
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Luke+22:31-32&sr=1&t=erv
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