Conversion

“Peter and another disciple followed along behind them as they took Jesus into the courtyard of Annas’ palace. Since the other disciple was well known to the high priest, he entered in, but Peter was left standing outside by the gate. Then the other disciple came back out to the servant girl who was guarding the gate and convinced her to allow Peter inside. As he passed inside, the young servant girl guarding the gate took a look at Peter and said to him, “Aren’t you one of his disciples?” He denied it, saying, “No! I’m not!” Now because it was cold, the soldiers and guards made a charcoal fire and were standing around it to keep warm. So Peter huddled there with them around the fire.”
‭‭John‬ ‭18:15-18‬ ‭TPT‬‬ https://www.bible.com/bible/1849/jhn.18.15-18.tpt

Whatever you and I are facing, or have faced,

as a temptation,

is not just for us,

but for those around and behind us that need our testimony.

Peter’s experience and conversion has helped to convert me.

Conversion, if you don’t know, means to turn yourself around.

I just realized today, that it was Peter specifically, that needed to turn His heart towards Jesus.

What?

Wasn’t Peter a radical for Jesus?

Isn’t He the disciple who jumped out of the boat and onto the waves to meet with Jesus?

Didn’t He always blurt out all the answers to the questions Jesus asked?

I have always related to Peter.

I’ve always wanted to be the best for Jesus.

I’m sure the other disciples thought his “show boat” behavior was annoying.

Jesus also, found it to be a breach deep down in his belief system.

Look at something with me.

The beginning of this passage says Peter and another disciple….

why didn’t anyone call that disciple out in public?

He was even known by the High Priest. Surely they knew he had also been with Jesus.

Or did they and he just not respond the same way?

The Bible doesn’t say.

What I glean by the Holy Spirit’s stirring this morning, is that this particular temptation was for Peter.

There was something about Peter’s faith that needed a conversion.

Look at what Jesus said;

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:

32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

33 ¶ And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.

34 ¶ And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.

He was praying that Peter’s Faith wouldn’t fail-

But according to this incident, it did.

“Meanwhile, Peter was still standing in the courtyard by the fire. And one of the guards standing there said to him, “Aren’t you one of his disciples? I know you are!” Peter swore and said, “I am not his disciple!” But one of the servants of the high priest, a relative to the man whose ear Peter had cut off, looked at him and said, “Wait! Didn’t I see you out there in the garden with Jesus?” Then Peter denied it the third time and said, “No!”—and at that very same moment, a rooster crowed nearby.”
‭‭John‬ ‭18:25-27‬ ‭TPT‬‬ https://www.bible.com/bible/1849/jhn.18.25-27.

So, How is it that Jesus prayer was answered?

Peter denied.

Three times.

Just like Jesus said he would.

Ah, I get it today Lord,

His Faith in your forgiveness, DID NOT FAIL.

He turned back around to you.

Trusting you, now,

instead of His strength, right answers and abilities.

What He once just “knew”, now He really believed.

You, Lord, are the only Savior. 

Let me ask you dear friend, are you trusting You, or the Savior?

If you are looking at your sin in greater proportion than the Sacrifice, then you are still trusting you.

Trust in yourself produces pride and fear.

Ask me how I know.

But if you are turned back to Jesus, no matter what you’ve done,

(that Jesus knew you would,

by the way,)

then  Receive by Faith,

the Forgiveness you need for yourself,

and for the  others that will be converted along your way.

“And when you are converted,

STRENGTHEN YOUR BRETHREN.”