Epic failure ∙∙

Epic failure ∙∙

If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. – 1 Corinthians 10:12

Luke 22:32

31 Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat.
32 but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.

Luke 22:60-62

60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed.

61 The Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had told him, “Before a rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times.”
62 And he went out and wept bitterly.

For over three decades, Intel Corporation reigned supreme as the unparalleled titan of computer microprocessor and chipset innovation. Nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, Santa Clara, California, Intel epitomized the “Made in the USA” standard, showcasing America’s formidable prowess in the semiconductor realm.

Intel’s competitive edge was forged through a masterful combination of cutting-edge design and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities proudly situated on American soil. While other chipmakers opted to move their operations overseas in pursuit of cheaper labor, Intel stood resolute, a beacon of American industriousness and ingenuity.

Yet, the landscape shifted dramatically, and Intel found itself grappling with monumental challenges that threatened its once-unshakable position. The very traits that once fueled its dominance, unwavering commitment to domestic manufacturing and a steadfast reliance on proven strategies, have contributed to its recent challenges.

In a striking blow to its legacy, July 2020 marked a crisis point for Intel. The company announced a significant delay of over a year in the launch of its cutting-edge 7-nanometer CPUs, a setback that sent shockwaves through the industry. In a world where technological advancement waits for no one, Intel’s supremacy has been challenged by both domestic rivals and ambitious international firms that have risen to the occasion.

As Intel stood at this critical juncture, a question looms large: could it surmount these formidable obstacles and reclaim its throne as the vanguard of innovation? The answer remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Intel’s journey from the pinnacle of success to its current crossroads is a testament to the relentless pace of technological advancement and the ever-present demand for adaptation in the face of change.

Any child of the King can and does experience failure. Failure in this life, at one point or another, is regrettably the norm. We all stumble and fall. The real question is: “What do we do when we encounter significant failure?”

In martial arts beginners learn to follow the adage, “Fall down seven times, stand up eight.” We are to consciously decide to rise after each fall and persist in our efforts.

Peter was the undisputed leader of the twelve apostles, yet he experienced egregious failure when he denied the Lord Jesus Christ. The Scriptures reveal an important truth: his failure was both inevitable and predicted, but so was his recovery. Peter had someone very significant and powerful praying for him. The Lord Jesus Christ had his back.

Luke 22:32 states, “I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

This same assurance applies to every child of the King.

Romans 8:34 tells us, “Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.”

REFLECT & PRAY

Psalms 37:8 Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper – it only leads to harm.

Father, how many times have I stumbled and felt the weight of discouragement pressing down on me? Yet, time after time, You were there, lifting me from the depths and setting my feet on solid ground once more. Your unwavering presence has strengthened my confidence in the plans and dreams You hold for my life. Thank You!

INSIGHT

This narrative shifts the spotlight from epic failure to epic recovery. “Peter will falter for a short period, after which he will turn back and strengthen the disciples. By telling this story, Luke prepares the reader for the leadership of Peter in the early chapters of Acts” (Black). Servant leadership emerges from the ashes of recovery.

Peter’s path to leadership is laid out for all of us to see. Epic leadership grows out of our epic responses to failure and loss.

Peter possessed inherent leadership qualities, but such strengths can become hurdles for those called by God. When Jesus foretold Peter’s failure, Peter’s disbelief wasn’t rooted in pride. It was simple naivety. He couldn’t imagine letting down the Lord and disappointing him in such a way. Take a moment and visualize Peter, resolute in his heart, declaring, “I will prove my loyalty. I will not fail, my Lord! Count on me, no matter the cost!”

Peter forcefully asserted, “Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you, and even to die with you” (Luke 22:33).

Peter recognized Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, with unwavering certainty. The thought of betrayal was inconceivable to him.

Matthew 16:15-16 captures this conviction:

15 Jesus asked, “But who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Peter’s unwavering resolved was unmatched. When Jesus was arrested, Peter unsheathed his sword, ready to fight to the death. His actions were impulsive and brave, yet he misunderstood the divine plan. The Lord Jesus Christ had come into the world to be arrested, tried, condemned, and crucified (Matthew 26:51-56). Peter initially sought to thwart prevent such an antithetical outcome for the Messiah, the King of Israel.

Matthew 16:21-23

21 From then on Jesus began to tell his disciples plainly that he needed to go to Jerusalem, and that he would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day, he would be raised from the dead.
22 But Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things. “Heaven forbid, Lord,” he said. “This will never happen to you!”
23 Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”

Peter rose to the occasion in his brash, bold, brave way, and blood was spilled. He cut off the ear of Malchus, the high priest’s servant. Rather than receiving praise, he received correction from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Luke 22:51 But Jesus said, “No more of this.” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.

As the Lord Jesus Christ was arrested and led away, imagine the turmoil that must have overwhelmed Peter. He was ensnared in emotional turmoil. Conflicted, he was struggling with clashing emotions of embarrassment, disillusionment, and deep despair; Peter found himself on a downward path to epic failure.

But why did Peter falter so profoundly? Fear wasn’t the issue. After all, he had been ready to lay down his life for Christ in the garden. No, it was confusion and a heavy heart that clouded his judgment. Peter had just witnessed the unimaginable: the arrest of the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, leading to certain judgment and death.

This once-confident and natural leader faced his darkest moment, yet this failure was not the end. It was the crucible in which his future leadership and strength were forged. Such is the journey for every child of the King, where epic failures pave the way for epic transformative recovery and growth.

¯_(ツ)_/¯9-24-2

© Dr. H 2024