“Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:31-32).
Jesus is not surprised by your failures. In fact, he sees them coming.
Notice two things in this passage.
- Jesus said, “When you have repented.” He didn’t say “if.” Jesus sees your failures before they happen, and he believes in you! He expects repentance. He knows that you will turn from your failures, rather than wallow in them.
- Jesus said, “Strengthen your brothers.” God never lets a failure go to waste. Before Peter even fell, Jesus was mapping out a plan of restoration and a plan to use him to help others.
Recovery Step: Take heart. Even in your darkest valley, Jesus believes in you and is already planning a glorious future.
Author: Mark Denison
Mark and Beth Denison, married for 36 years, launched There’s Still Hope as a national movement to call men and women into lives of sexual integrity. Their ministry offers 90-day recovery plans for addicts and one-on-one and group coaching for addicts and their spouses. TSH also produces resources for pastors and churches to confront the porn epidemic that is destroying so many lives.
Dr. Denison was a senior pastor for over 30 years, NBA chaplain, and board chairman at Houston Baptist University three times. With a Master’s Degree in Addiction Recovery, Mark is a certified PSAP and active member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Mark has written four books on recovery: Porn in the Pew, 365 Days to Sexual Integrity, A 90-Day Recovery Guide, and 40 Days to Porn-Free Living. His latest book, Jesus on the 12 Steps, will be released later this year.
