I’ve learned the hard way never to say “never.” We’ve all said that word. And I would venture to predict most of us have found ourselves doing exactly what we said we would never do. Have you?
From marrying a soldier (which I said I would never do) to becoming a school teacher and eventually homeschooling, I’ve really done everything I denied I would do. Most of those things turned out pretty good (especially the marrying a soldier). But not all were good. Those sinful things I did later in life that my high school self proclaimed I’d never do, weren’t so good. The only good thing about them was the gaping hole in my heart they created. That dark hole led me back to Jesus.
Peter Said “Never”
Peter, one of Jesus’s favorite disciples experienced this “never say never” phenomenon. He proclaimed that fateful word, and he too suffered a gaping hole in his heart. Do you remember when this happened? It was right before Jesus was arrested. On that dark night, Jesus was trying to prepare His disciples for what was ahead. He warned they would all scatter–none would stay with Him. He even recited the prophecy in Zechariah 13:7 proving their reaction.
They all refused His prophetic warning, especially Peter.
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.”
But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the others said the same.
What Happened After “Never”
It was right after Peter’s passionate “never” that Peter, James, and John walked with Jesus to the Garden of Gethsemane. Under those gnarled olive trees, Jesus shed drops of blood as He prayed for God to change the plans. But the disciples slept. The Passover meal must have filled their stomachs, and like many men do after a big meal, they just wanted to climb into their recliner and take a nap. It was dark and late. Really, can any of us blame them?
They were so clueless. Jesus tried to warn them again, and He told them what they needed to do.
Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Simon,” he said to Peter, “are you asleep? Couldn’t you keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Despite how much they loved Him, and how they wanted to serve Him, their eyes would not stay open. Peter did not pray despite Jesus’s rebuke.
Wake Up, Pray, and be Obedient
As I read this familiar story, it’s so easy to shake my head and ask, “How could they miss it?” But as soon as I feel judgment rising in my spirit, I’m convicted. How many times have I missed it? How many times did my “never” not hold up against the sin or apathy? This stirs a question, “Is Jesus warning me to awake and pray?”
We live in precarious times. We see things happening in our country and world we’d never imagine could come to pass. Yes, friends, we must wake up and pray. This is our obedience.
I wonder how the story would’ve changed if Peter had not been so sleepy. Would his prayers and petitions given him the strength to refrain from denying he knew Jesus? What could our prayers change?
The Redemption of “Never”
Despite his lack of prayer and failure–despite doing what he said he would never do, Peter did not go back to fishing permanently. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, lovingly brought him back into the fold. Humbled and stronger in faith, Peter proclaimed Jesus until his own martyrdom. I believe Jesus redeemed Peter’s “never.”
Peter’s restoration gives us hope. His story teaches us of the dangers of saying “never” to Jesus when He calls, and the significance of obeying when He’s warned us to pray. But most of all Peter’s “never” teaches us about grace.
Do you need Jesus to redeem any of your “nevers?” Have you found yourself doing something Jesus or a faithful friend warned you of? It’s not too late. He’s so faithful. If you find yourself on the proverbial shore of the Sea of Galilee, and Jesus has made breakfast, just tell Him you love Him.
Pray for Jesus to Redeem Your “Never”
He’s a prayer away. Don’t go to sleep. Don’t run away. Just ask Him to redeem your failed “never.” It’s one of my favorite prayers I’ve seen Him answer. I’ll pray with you. Hold my hands:
“Jesus, please forgive us of our failed nevers. We ask you to redeem those bad parent moments we swore we’d never do, or the time we denied our faith in you because it wasn’t cool, or the day we didn’t listen to that small voice inside directing our path. Redeem when we’ve denied your truth and turned our own way. Help us be still and listen. Give us grace to obey. Wake us up if we’re sleeping. Show us how to pray. The spirit is willing, but our flesh is so weak. Please strengthen our spirits. Help us be careful with our words, especially the word “never.” Thank you, Jesus. We love you. Amen.”
One of the best sermons I’ve ever heard was preached on this subject, Andy.