God Has a Job for Us to Do
“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” (Luke 22:31-32) [Jesus speaking to the apostle Peter]
Jesus knew Simon Peter would deny Him three times, but still Jesus prayed for him. Amazing, huh? But that’s not all. Jesus had a purpose in praying for him. He knew Peter would turn back to Him [be converted], and He had a job for Peter to do once he did. Amazing also, isn’t it? Jesus still wanted to entrust Peter with a job even though he would first deny Him. Even more amazing, the directions Jesus gave Peter weren’t just for him; they were also for us. How utterly amazing that no matter how much time we have spent with our backs turned on God, that He would want to forgive us, welcome us into a forever relationship with Him if we entrust our lives to Christ, and use us – if only we would repent and turn back to Him.
I wonder how many of us are missing the gift of God’s forgiveness because we refuse to humble ourselves and seek His forgiveness and truly turn our hearts and lives to Him and His ways. I wonder how many of us have turned to the Lord but are failing to do the job we’ve been given.
What job did Jesus give Peter for once Peter would turn back? To strengthen others. Oh, if only we would understand that God’s grace is not to hoard to ourselves. In commanding us to love Him and love our neighbors above all else, He gives us the job of bringing His love, strength, and mercy to the world around us. He gives us the job of telling the world about Christ. He gives us the job of turning to the Lord not to merely enjoy all the countless benefits, but to truly live for Him and minister His love to a broken, wounded, weak world in dire need of His forgiveness, salvation and strength.
Have you turned to the Lord? Are you helping others?