Then Peter said, "I swear that I am telling the truth! May God punish me If I am not! I do not know that man!"

Just then a rooster crowed, and Peter remembered what Jesus had told him: "Before the rooster crows, you will say three times that you do not know me." He went out and wept bitterly.

Matthew 26:74-75

Don't give up. You will probably deny Christ in your lifetime, but He will forgive and will give you another chance. Peter had promised Jesus that he would follow Christ, even if it meant death. But just a little while later, facing unexpected pressure, he denied his LORD. That devastating blow could have caused him to quit. But Peter did not give up - because Jesus did not give up on him. After the LORD encouraged him, Peter boldly proclaimed the gospel, and many people trusted in Christ.

Have you been hit by failure? The LORD wants to restore you and make you useful again.

God can transform tragedies into triumphs.

Our Daily Bread - October 12, 2002