PETER

One of the great leaders of the twelve followers of Jesus was the disciple, Simon Peter.  He always seemed to be at the forefront of all the goings on in that time.  I believe Jesus even said to Simon Peter at one time, "Thou art Peter and on this rock I will build my church..." (Matthew 16:18)  Yes, I think we could say that Peter was one of the bold disciples.

After the supper was ended, Jesus and Peter had a conversation.  As I have said on this blog before, this passage of scripture is one of the scariest to me.  I think I will give you the passage straight from the Bible.  It goes like this, beginning at Luke 22:31:

"And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:  But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.  And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee both into prison, and to death.  And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knows me."  Luke 22:31-34 (KJV)

Peter so reminds me of myself. 

I'm certain, just as Jesus said of Peter, that Satan desires to have us all and sift us like wheat.  But we can take comfort and be assured, the Lord has PRAYED for us that our faith fail not.

I tell the Lord over and over.... I will stand for you.  I will share your gospel.  I would never deny you, Lord.  Yeah, right.  I've failed in that so many times, I lose count.  Opportunity after opportunity to tell others about my Jesus.  Yes, just by being quiet, I often deny.  The great thing is that I am able to feel conviction about the denials and can strive to improve with each day.  

Consider....