Gospel Reflections #35: Even When We Say No

Luke 22:32 "But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."

Jesus did not pray that Peter would not betray him or that he would be strong.

He prayed that Peter's faith would not be lost and that he would be able to recover when he failed.

What is "faith?" I believe it is believing and accepting what Jesus has done for us.

Ephesians 2:8,9 says that grace and faith are gifts from God.

Our believing in and accepting Jesus is also not in our own strength, but is entirely the work of Jesus. We simply accept it.

God respects our free will, so He gives us the option to say NO, and He will not semi-coerce us into a final choice. He just prays that it doesn't happen. Someone is praying, so get back on your feet! He respects our freedom to make our own choices. He makes everything ready for us, and when we know this extraordinary love that accepts us even when we choose NO, we will want to choose God no matter what!

Jesus intercedes for us as well. Jesus' grace is for those of us who will fail every day. His grace is more than enough for you!

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This Gospel Reflections page is written by Masae San, a devoted student of the Bible who passionately embraces the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She shares her daily reflections on the Gospels as a way to reach out to others and spread the message of Jesus. We're sharing her message here so that you too can experience the joy that comes from the Gospel that fills her heart