What do you do when life isn’t making sense, everything seems to be going wrong, and you’re beginning to wonder if you’ve messed everything up? Maybe you’re discouraged, losing hope, or even thinking about giving up and going back to the way things used to be. In this episode, we look at Luke 22:31–32 and Jesus’ words to Peter before one of the greatest failures of his life. Jesus knew Peter was going to deny Him, yet He didn’t pray that Peter would avoid the trial. Instead, He prayed that Peter’s faith would not fail—and He already knew that Peter would come through the trial and have a greater mission on the other side. This story gives us a powerful framework for navigating our own difficult seasons. Rather than becoming consumed with our external circumstances, we can shift our focus to what God may be strengthening or transforming within us. Our trials are not necessarily evidence that God is angry with us, that we have failed, or that we are on the wrong path. God can use even our greatest mistakes and most discouraging seasons for His purposes. And if you’ve already messed up? There is still hope. Peter’s story didn’t end with his denial. Jesus met him again, restored him, and recommissioned him. Your failure is not the end of your story. God knows the end from the beginning—and He may have far more ahead for you than you can see right now. Download the FREE Reflection guide at www.thekristincampbell.com Follow on Instagram @thekristincampbell
When You Feel Like You’ve Messed Everything Up, Don’t Give Up
Are you in a season where you’re wondering, “God, why is this happening?” Maybe things aren’t making sense, you feel like everything you do is going wrong, or you’re beginning to wonder if you heard God incorrectly.
If you’re discouraged, hopeless, or tempted to throw in the towel, this episode is for you.
We’re looking at Luke 22:31–32, where Jesus tells Peter that Satan has asked permission to sift him like wheat. But notice what Jesus prays for: He doesn’t pray that Peter will avoid the trial. He prays that Peter’s faith will not fail.
And Jesus already knows what is on the other side of Peter’s failure:
“When once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”
1. Jesus’ priority was Peter’s faith—not his circumstances.
Jesus didn’t pray for the external situation to change. He prayed for Peter’s faith to remain strong. This gives us insight into God’s heart when we are walking through trials.
2. God is still in control when we are being “sifted.”
Satan had to ask permission to sift Peter. Whatever we may be facing, the enemy does not have ultimate authority over our lives. God remains sovereign.
3. We can miss God’s heart when we become consumed with our circumstances.
It’s natural to ask, “Why is this happening?” But a more productive question may be, “Lord, what are You doing in me through this?”
4. God is primarily concerned with our internal transformation.
Our circumstances, possessions, jobs, relationships, and other external things are temporary. God’s work within us and our relationship with Him have eternal significance.
5. Trials can strengthen our faith.
Instead of assuming that difficulty means God is angry with us or that we’re doing something wrong, we can ask what God is strengthening in us—and what He may be working out of us.
6. God knows the end from the beginning.
Jesus knew Peter would fail, but He also knew Peter would return. Our failures and difficult seasons never surprise God.
7. Your biggest mistake does not have to be the end of your story.
Peter went back to fishing after his devastating failure. But Jesus met him there. In John 21, Jesus restored and recommissioned Peter.
Your circumstances may not make sense right now. You may feel like you’ve failed, messed everything up, or wandered too far from where you thought you were going.
But God is not finished with you.
Shift your eyes from the external to the internal. Ask God what He is strengthening in you, what He is working out of you, and how He wants to use this season for His purposes.
Peter’s failure was not the end of his story—and neither is yours.
There is hope when you turn back to Jesus.