Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same. – Matthew 26:35

How many times have we ever made a promise we will change but failed? Or have we ever received a promise from someone who suddenly left us at the time we need them the most?

In Matthew 26:31 “Then Jesus said to them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of Me. For it is written:  ‘I will strike the shepherd,  and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’

Alam mo ang nakakatuwa sa Panginoon, He never takes grudges. Alam natin na Peter denied Jesus not only 1 time but 3x.

Matthew 26:69 “Meanwhile, Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came up to him. “You were also with Jesus the Galilean,” she said.  But he denied it before them all: “I do not know what you are talking about.”

In Mark 16: 7 But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here! See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him, just as He told you.”

He specifically mentioned the name of Peter among other disciples. Because Jesus knew that Peter may have a big heart but he also has weaknesses.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  2 Corinthians 12:9

Tama ang sinabi ni David: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me…” Psalm 23:4 

God loves when we believe in His word. But He loves us, even more, when we actually experience His power, His provision, His forgiveness.

How would Peter know that God is a God of forgiveness if he was not forgiven?

How would we know that the Philippians 4:19 is true if we always have what we need? Of course, Jesus knew that Peter will deny him 3x, but the failure of Peter did not abort the plans of the Lord in his life. Peter survived and was empowered to turn the world upside down in the time of Pentecost.

In Acts 4:4 But many of the people who heard their message believed it, so the number of believers now totaled about 5,000 men, not counting women and children.

Peter went on to become the leader of the 12 disciples and converted thousands of people to Christ.

The key to life is for us to keep on. Yes we may fail and stumble. God does not expect us not to make mistakes. Bagamat maganda ito na maging ‘sinless’ tayo but God wants us to ‘sin less and less’ na we strive to be better each time. But even if we fail, let us not remain in that failure, but let us survive and pass the test of life.

God does not see the failure we had. St. Paul’s name was used to be Saul. He was a murderer of Christians. But God knows that he could be an asset to advance His kingdom. One day, Saul was on the way to Damascus to kill more Christians, and Jesus made him blind.

In Acts 9:

Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out threats of murder against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest to ask for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way, he could bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As Saul drew near to Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?” “Who are You, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,”He replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

Isn’t it fascinating that Saul was out there to kill more Christians but Jesus said specifically: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting…”

Natatandaan nyo ba ang sinabi ni Jesus na: Matthew 25:37 Nagutom ako. at pinakain ninyo ako. Nauhaw ako at pinainom ninyo ako. Nakulong ako, at nagkasakit ako, pero dinalaw ninyo ako…Sinabi ng mga tao, Panginoon, kelan ka nagutom at nauhaw? Kelan po kayo nakulong at nagkasakit?

Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? When did we see You sick or in prison and visit You?’ And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’

I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” –Genesis 12:3

Yun palang ginagawa natin sa iba, ay ginagawa natin sa Diyos!

Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men…Colossians 3:22

God is looking for the survivors – for those people who have passed the test. Like Sedrach. Messach and Abednego…they’ve been through the fire, but they never gave up on God.

Just like Peter who denied Jesus, and Paul who was a murderer – a killer, but pursued to become someone better. They are the survivors.

When we survive, then we deserve the crown of glory: “Well done my good and faithful servant.” God implied that despite hardship, you survived.