It's easy to point out Peter's impetuous faults! His doubt when he stepped out on the water, his short temper, his rebuke, and later, his denial of Jesus. But Peter is also one of God's greatest examples of living hope for us.

An uneducated fisherman who likely had few other skills, yet he laid down his nets and followed Jesus the instant he was asked. He was the first to acknowledge Jesus as Christ, the Son of God. Then, after denying Jesus in the garden, Peter would jump into the water to swim to shore upon seeing his Savior waiting there for them.

Friends, Peter is both an inspiration and an encouragement to all believers. God does not choose servants who are solid rocks with no cracks or crevices. God looks for those who are teachable, those willing to repent, those fully prepared to surrender to His will despite their shortcomings and failures.

Many Christians prematurely decide how much the Lord can do with them based on their education, personality, or talent. God isn't interested in qualifications; He doesn't always call the qualified, but He does qualify those who faithfully answer His Call.

God is looking for followers like Peter, willing to drop their nets, repent, and faithfully follow Jesus.

Onward and Upward+ Fr. Greg