Week of April 15, 2022

Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ (Mark 14:27, NKJV)

As you follow Jesus you will face periods of distress in your life. There will be times it will seem that events conspire against you and you will question whether you will be able to stand. You did not initiate these things but they just arise from the circumstances of life. Sadly, too often in people’s lives, failure is the result.

The disciples faced opposition on the night Jesus was crucified. Peter boasted that he would never forsake Jesus. Jesus assured the disciples failure was inevitable. The scripture had prophesied it. God wasn’t caught by surprise by these failures. The good news is Jesus had made provisions for their failures, because He knew He was going to develop these men into apostles who would turn the world upside down for Christ. When the risen Christ encountered Peter on the seashore, He didn’t ask Peter for a confession of sin but for a confession of love. “Peter do you love me?”

Our failures in life have not caught God by surprise. We have all made promises just like Peter but have failed. God was just as aware that you would fail as He was with Peter. He too has made provisions for you. Do you really think that your failures are bigger or more complex than any God has ever dealt with? Don’t you believe that for one minute! Jesus Christ died on a cross, rose again on the third day to prove that He is Lord, and can forgive anything you have even done wrong. Just as He had good plans for all the disciples, He has good plans for you too. He would love to hear you say, as Peter did when asked, “Peter lovest thou me?” Yes Lord, you know all things, you know I love you.” Happy Easter.

God Bless, Pastor Rick