When you have turned back,
strengthen your brothers.
—Luke 22:32
Jesus told Peter he would deny him. Peter said he wouldn’t. He did.
Satan won that round. But Jesus knew the fight wasn’t over and that Peter would win: “When you have turned back,” he said, “strengthen your brothers.”
Not if you turn back, but when you turn back.
He knew Peter would face his failure and bounce back. And did he ever!—from one who denied with an oath to one who witnessed with a passion.
You’ve had your seasons of weakness and failure; lost a round or two. But the fight isn’t over. Jesus believes in you; he believes you’re a champ.
And you are.
There’s a lot of fight left in you.
Forgive yourself and come out swinging.