I would NEVER do that...

Read Luke 22:24-34

Context: Jesus and his disciples have basically finished their last Passover meal.

Text:
24Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25Jesus said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. 28You are those who have stood by me in my trials. 29And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, 30so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
31"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you[a] as wheat. 32But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."
33But he replied, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death."
34Jesus answered, "I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me." (NIV)
Footnotes:
Luke 22:31 The Greek is plural.
taken from www.biblegateway.com

Have you ever been totally convinced that you would make a correct choice in a difficult situation? Maybe you decided that you would stand up to that bully and support the person who was being teased. Or you knew that this time you could stick to that diet. Or you promised to be there to see your child's game no matter what. You would have bet your next paycheck that you would do the right thing (if betting wasn't a wrong choice).

Then, only a couple of hours later you see that person being bullied and you decide that maybe next time you will help because the bully is in a really bad mood today. Or you had a nice, healthy breakfast but at 10:00 you eat the birthday cake your co-worker brought. Maybe a client walked in at the last minute and you could lose the biggest deal of your career if you left early for the game.

No matter how strong our resolve, it seems like the world gangs up on us to cause us to cave. Paul knows exactly how it feels. Yet, even when he failed to acknowledge his devotion to the Savior, Jesus still loved him and gently redeemed his heart. We should never justify failure knowing that we'd be forgiven, but it's nice to know that those days when we don't live up to expectations (isn't that every day?), if we are honestly repentant, we are still welcome in the arms of Jesus.