Forgiving Eyes

HELLO,
 
"BUT I HAVE PRAYED FOR THEE, THAT THY FAITH FAIL NOT: AND WHEN THOU ART CONVERTED, STRENGTHEN THY BRETHREN."  LUKE 22:32
 
EVEN THOUGH WE HATE TO ADMIT IT SOONER OR LATER, BECAUSE WE ARE HUMAN, ALL OF US WILL LEAVE OUR FOOTPRINTS THROUGH THE VALLEY OF FAILURE.  THE QUESTION IS, HOW ARE YOU GOING TO RESPOND?  WHEN PETER FAILED CHRIST, THE SCRIPTURES TELL US, THAT WHILE STANDING BY THE FIRE, ACROSS THAT OUTER COURT YARD, CHRIST MADE EYE CONTACT WITH PETER.  AFTER JESUS' RESURRECTION, AND JESUS CAME LOOKING FOR PETER, THEY MADE EYE CONTACT AGAIN ON THAT SEA SHORE.  HOW WILL YOU RESPOND TO THAT CONTACT WITH THOSE PRECIOUS, FORGIVING EYES.   SOME, BECAUSE OF ENORMOUS PRIDE OR ENORMOUS SHAME, WOULD GIVE UP A WONDERFUL LIFE OF SERVING GOD, FOR A DEFEATED EXISTENCE.  NEVER LET THAT BE HOW YOUR STORY ENDS.  BECAUSE FAILURE NEED NOT BE AN END.  IT'S A CHANCE FOR A NEW BEGINNING LIVING IN CHRIST'S STRENGTH.
 
IF WE ARE WILLING, GOD CAN USE FAILURE TO DO SPIRITUAL HOUSECLEANING.  PETER LAID DOWN HIS PRIDE AND INSTEAD PUT ON THE HOLY SPIRIT'S COURAGE.  HE RISKED HUMILIATION, PERSECUTION, AND DEATH TO PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL.  I KNOW WE ARE NOT SUPPOSE TO HAVE FAVORITES, BUT I LOVE PETER.
 
IF YOU ARE AT THE BOTTOM, LOOK TO PETER, AND SEE WHAT CHRIST IS ABLE TO DO FOR YOU.
 
BE BLESSED TODAY AND DO NOT EVER FORGET THAT YOU ARE LOVED!!!
 
HENRY