Peter was ready to go both to prison and death with Jesus, he boldly declared. His spirit was definitely willing but his flesh was weak. We know that he did deny he knew Jesus three times before the cock crew twice, that very day. He had used his own strength which was not enough to withstand the blast of associated accusations. So he lied and denied.
Yet there was another element at work. Satan had demanded to have Peter. That's cause for pause. Doesn't it also remind you of Job? Satan messed with him too, attempting to get Job to curse God to His face (see Job 1:6-12). Through it all, Job never did curse God. Job had been a blameless man who feared God and turned away from evil.
Behind the scenes then, and in Peter's case, Satan was at work. We can never underestimate this spiritual warfare upon those of us who believe and walk in the fear of the Lord. We too wish to walk uprightly and give glory to God.
That's why it is so important,
"...to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might...putting on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil" (Ephesians 6:10-11 ESV).
It is good if you can pause and read that whole section: Ephesians 6:10-15, about the armor of God and its uses.
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against ... spiritual forces of evil ..." (vs 12).
Prayer is also an essential part of our 'weaponry'.
"praying at all times in the Spirit" (vs 18).
This shows our dependence upon the Lord. It acknowledges we cannot fight these spiritual battles on our own strength. We need the Lord's strength.
This brings me to make note of what Jesus did for Simon Peter. He prayed for him. I think this is so precious. Jesus told Peter,
"But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail ..." (Luke 22:32 ESV).
It's great to have the prayer support of other believers but here was the Lord Himself praying for Peter - how marvelous and wonderful is that!
Jesus went a step further giving him a mission for afterwards ...
"When you have turned again, strengthen your brothers" (Luke 22:32 ESV).
Peter would falter despite his confident statement he'd go to prison and death with Jesus. But, here's the wondrous thing, Peter would return -
"turned again"
and he would strengthen others to be strong in the Lord. And if we read the rest of the New Testament and follow Peter's deeds and ministry and read his letters, you'll discover he did do just that.
This gives us hope today. If we so happen to fail we still have that avenue of repentance and the Lord's forgiveness (see 1 John 1:9).
Jesus' tender mercies were shown to Peter again on the seashore. Jesus also gave him a more specific mission as well. John records it in John 21:15-17, where Jesus dined with the disciples, for a fish breakfast. Jesus asks if Peter loves him and Peter says he does. Jesus then says "Feed my lambs and sheep".
So Peter would not only catch men - this fisher-of-men, but he would also strengthen them and feed them.
Peter's lesson was that he could not do it in his own strength. He must rely on Jesus' strength. He learned that Satan will try to hinder him and/or turn up the heat to all out spiritual attack. To this he needed to be alert, on guard, and fully dressed in the armor of God so he could withstand the wiles of the devil. But he also knew that Jesus was praying for him.
He is praying for us too. Jesus' prayer in John 17 shows us this.
"I am praying for them ... for those whom you have given me ..." (John 17:9).
Another verse in Romans concurs,
"Christ Jesus ... who indeed is interceding for us" (Romans 8:34 ESV).
The writer of Hebrews assures us some more,
" ... He [Jesus] .... always lives to make intercession for us" Hebrews 7:25.
So even if we have no-one else to give us prayer support, we do have Jesus'. He's got our backs no matter what.
This really touches my heart and helps to buoy my soul. I hope it's the same for you too. May our faith never fail.
Thank You Jesus for Your prayers for me..Amen.
~ ERC September 2025 ~
Based on Luke 22:31-32 and Job 1:6-12 (ESV).
Sing, My Faith looks Up to Thee, along with Integrity Music.
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