When You Have Turned Back

In my devotions today, the question was asked, "Do you feel inferior?" I had to think about that for awhile, because there was a time in my youth when I did feel inferior, as most teenagers do at times. But as for now, at first, I didn't think so, but it didn't seem that I could get that out of my head.

Later, as I read the parable of the ten virgins, I saw myself in a different light. You may remember that five virgins were wise and brought enough oil for the lamps so that they would be shining when the bridegroom came. The other five were foolish, and they had to go and buy more. While they were gone, the bridegroom came, and they were left in the dark. Guess who I identified with? You're right if you said the five dumbbells. I started to reflect on other things and which side that I came down on. When Jesus took the disciples with Him to pray, and when He returned, they were sleeping, and guess who was wiping the sleep from her eyes? Hey, I even understand the poor guy who was given only one talent. After all, he was just doing what he thought was best.

Then, I thought of poor Simon Peter. He was quite the guy. When the soldiers came to get Jesus to crucify Him, he cut the ear off the high priest's servant. Later, when people pointed to him and said, "Aren't you one of Jesus' followers?" Peter denied Him three times, just as the Lord had predicted. Hmmm, would that be something that I would do? Like Peter beforehand at the Last Supper of our Lord, I would stand and say, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death." (Luke 22:33 NIV) But would I? Have I ever failed miserably after feeling so proud of myself? I certainly have. But what I like about Peter's story is what Jesus told Simon Peter just before He predicted his denials:

Luke 22:31-32 – Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift 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. (NIV)

Hey, there is hope for me, because every time when I come back, my heart is softened toward my brothers and sisters. Then, I can tell them, "I know how you feel." I have forgotten to get oil for my lamp. I have been asleep as Satan sneaked up on me, and I closed my eyes to the power of God. To be on the safe side, I have hidden my talent for fear of being rejected. It seemed right at the time! Dear sisters and brothers, I have failed my Lord more times than I can count, but He tells me that when I turn back, He has a job for me to do. May the Lord help us to strengthen our brothers and sisters!

Prayer: Dearest Lord, keep us from giving up after we have failed. Even though we are never worthy of Your love, holy God, thank You that You grant us mercy, even when we betray You. When we turn back, help us to show love to others as Jesus did. Amen.

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