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Yet, placed within this story of failure, are words of promise, even as words of promise can shroud with Light the weaknesses and shortcomings in our lives. Jesus spoke,
"Simon, listen to me! Satan has demanded the right to test each one of you, as a farmer does when he separates wheat from the husks. But Simon, I have prayed that your faith will be strong. And when you have come back to me, help the others" (Luke 22.31-32, CEV).
Peter did come back to Christ. Such began with a good time alone of weeping: "Then Peter went out and cried hard."
When we enter a season of confession, we do so to arise from it in a newness of healing and capability to serve. Spiritual healing will always result in enhancement to serve others and in a humbleness recognizing the weakness of the one who serves. This allows him or her to feel more one with the struggles and challenges of those he or she serves.
So, Jesus says to us what he spoke to his friend Peter. He says, "And when you have come back to me, help the others."
You can take your failures in faith and lie down, stuck in a muddy hole of guilt and self-pity. Or, you can use the very reality of how you have fallen short to throw yourselves into the arms of Grace, and find in such humble self-giving a new beginning and healing, a new work of Grace that makes you more able to love and give in a manner that both blesses others and yourself in Love.
If darkness seeks to overwhelm you, as you gaze into the humanness that you are, turn to the Light, to be bathed in healing Rays: "But if we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins, because we can trust God to do what is right. He will cleanse us from all the wrongs we have done" (I John 1.9, NCV).
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*Charitable contributions would be appreciated to assist Brian in continuing his ministry. For contributions, contact Brian at barukhattah@embarqmail.com . Brian is in need of more funding to purchase a desk-top computer, after his was hit by lightening and is inoperable.
*Poetry from Catherine of Siena is taken from www.poetseers.com .
*Brian's book of spiritual love poetry, An Ache for Union: Oneness with God through Love, can be ordered through major booksellers or the Cokesbury on-line store, cokesbury.com .
*Brian K. Wilcox, a United Methodist Pastor, lives in Southwest Florida. He is a vowed member of Greenbough House of Prayer, a contemplative Christian community in South Georgia. He lives a contemplative life and seeks to inspire others to enjoy a more intimate relationship with Christ. Brian advocates for a spiritually-focused, experiential Christianity and renewal of the Church through addressing the deeper spiritual needs and longings of persons.
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