The stories of Peter’s denial and recovery have much to teach us. Peter’s love for his Master put him in the way of temptation. Had Peter not loved the Saviour dearly, he would not have followed Him to the place of the Man of Sorrows trial. As he lingered by the fire, he could both see and hear the proceedings. We commend Peter for his great love for the Good Shepherd that caused him to follow in the shadows. He believed he needed to be near the Saviour regardless of the confusing situation.

Peter was so thoroughly humiliated by, and repentant of his sin of denial, that he was graciously given a private meeting of reconciliation by the resurrected Saviour. Thus, the Saviour began the process of restoration one on one. But, Peter insisted he would follow his Master to the death in the presence of the apostles. Thus, Jesus had him display a spirit of humility before the same apostles. The Saviour had Peter confess his love for Him with no notion of having a greater affection than others. Peter had clearly grown in grace during the three days Jesus lay in the tomb.

Like Peter, we grow in grace in the soil of adversity. The true giants in the faith are those who have gone “through many tribulations” (Acts 14:22).

Will you pay the tuition fees of adversity today in order to grow in grace tomorrow? Those believers I know who have suffered much are those who have grown much in grace and the knowledge of the Lord Jesus. They would never trade walking the path of sorrow for an easy way to heaven.

Only those who suffer much love much. Today, may you answer the call of the Man of sorrows and join Him on the narrow way that leads to eternal life, joy and rewards.

“When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.”

“When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine. 

“E’en down to old age all My people shall prove
My sovereign, eternal, unchangeable love;
And then, when grey hairs shall their temples adorn,
Like lambs they shall still in My bosom be borne.”

“The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake!”