On the last day of spring training in 1979, baseball player Steve Kemp of the Detroit Tigers was hit in the head with a pitched ball and taken to the hospital. But on opening day of the regular season he stepped up to the plate with confidence. Taking fastballs from a veteran pitcher, he smacked a single. The next time at bat he hit a home run.

During a postgame interview he said, "After I was hit, I just told myself, 'I can't let it bother me.' If you let it bother you, you're not going to be any good to yourself or your team."

The apostle Peter responded to a bitter experience in much the same way. He had been hit hard by a "pitch" from the enemy. He had promised earlier that he would follow Christ, even if it meant death (Matthew 26:33-35). But just a little while later, facing unexpected pressure, he denied his Lord (vv.69-75).

That devastating blow could have caused him to quit. But Peter didn't give up—because Jesus didn't give up on him. After the Lord encouraged him (John 21:15-19), 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.  — Mart De Haan II  — Mart De Haan