I started reading from the book of Acts a few days ago and thought I should learn more about Peter since the book of Acts talks a lot about his ministry. Like I’ve said in previous blogs, I started writing because it’s how I learn best. My hope is that my blogs may help someone else while I help myself learn more about God and what He’s teaching me as I walk through this crazy life.

Peter — His Character, Downfalls, and Calling to Faith

Let’s begin with the man Peter. Peter was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples and was the first person to declare that Jesus is the Messiah. I did some research on why Jesus chose Peter as one of His apostles and found many interesting—and relatable—stories within his journey of coming to know the Lord.

Peter eventually became a great leader, but the road to that point was rocky. He had multiple weak moments, especially when he betrayed Jesus three times.

Matthew 26:33–34:
“Peter replied, ‘Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.’
‘Truly I tell you,’ Jesus answered, ‘this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.’”

During the Last Supper, Jesus prophesied exactly what would happen just hours later. After they left, Peter went into a courtyard where a servant girl recognized him as someone who had been with Jesus. That’s when Peter denied Him for the first time.

Matthew 26:69–75 records all three denials and the fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy. Peter denied knowing Jesus out of fear—afraid that admitting it might lead to his own persecution. Earlier, Peter had confidently told Jesus he would never betray Him, even if it meant death (Matthew 26:35).

I’ve said this before, but this is another great example that talk is cheap. Under stress and in difficult times, loyalty is tested—and it’s eye-opening to realize that humanity has struggled with loyalty since the days Jesus walked the earth!

Even more importantly, Peter’s story reminds us that anyone can come back to Jesus, repent, and follow the path He’s called them to—no matter the level or amount of sin they’ve committed.

For further reference, Peter’s denial appears in all four Gospels: Mark 14:29–31, Luke 22:33–34, and John 13:36–38.

Peter’s Doubt — Walking on Water

Peter faced another moment of weakness in Matthew 14:27–32, the story of Jesus walking on water:

“But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’
‘Lord, if it’s you,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to you on the water.’
‘Come,’ he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’”

Peter started sinking because he lost sight of Jesus. His faith wavered when he saw the wind and waves. I think this story reminds us that when we doubt, we may not literally sink like Peter did—but we can sink in other areas of life: mentally, financially, or relationally.

We have to remember this story and know that as long as we keep our eyes on God, we can remain confident that He’ll bring us through the storms we face. And like I’ve said before, God often uses those storms to make us stronger—developing our endurance and faith.

Lessons from Peter’s Downfalls

From these stories, we see that Peter had good intentions. He truly wanted to stand by Jesus, but fear got the best of him. He wanted to walk toward Jesus on the water, but doubt pulled him down.

We all slip and fall right on our faces sometimes. We think we have the best intentions, we get overconfident, and then—down we go. I say we because I know I’m not the only one.

When my faith falters and I crash into the waves, I tend to be hard on myself, saying, “When will I ever learn?” But the truth is, we only fail if we don’t get back up and fix our eyes on God again like Peter did. When Peter began to sink, he cried out for Jesus—and Jesus immediately reached out His hand. He was right there. He always is.

The power of God—the power to pull us out of life’s storms—is something we should never doubt, even when our circumstances feel just as intense as the waves Peter faced.

Peter’s Calling After His Weak Moments

As I learn more about Peter, I think of the saying: “God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called.”

Jesus clearly called Peter to a higher purpose than he could have ever imagined. After his seasons of overconfidence, pride, and doubt, Peter finally stepped into his calling.

While Peter didn’t feel qualified, Jesus equipped him with everything he needed—strength, wisdom, and faith. After all, God never gives His children a mission they cannot fulfill or a battle they cannot fight.

Peter’s story reminds us that our divine purpose has nothing to do with the failures of our past. We’re all capable of saying yes to God—it’s just a matter of surrendering our selfish desires and letting the Holy Spirit guide us.

I’ll be honest—I don’t have a clue what God’s full plan is for me. But I know that the more I pray and surrender my own ways, the closer I’ll get to that revelation.

Pastor Dave Stone from Christ Church of the Valley ended his sermon last Sunday by saying: “When we lose our life for Christ, that’s when we find it.”

Post-Pentecost: Peter Preaches and Heals

Acts 2:22–24 (NIV):
“Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.”

Peter continued:

Acts 2:36 (NIV):
“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

This message took place on the Day of Pentecost. Peter’s purpose wasn’t to shame the Jews who crucified Jesus but to proclaim the good news that He is risen—and that we now have hope through Him.

His words deeply moved his audience.

Acts 2:37–38 (NIV):
“When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’ Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”

What’s admirable here is that Peter became a living reflection of his message. The same man who once denied Jesus out of fear now boldly preached in His name.

Peter was transformed by grace and empowered by the Holy Spirit. After Pentecost (see my next blog where I explain the Day of Pentecost), Peter performed many miracles and led many to faith. Through his actions and words, we see that he became the leader of the apostles—serving the Holy Spirit faithfully until his final days.

He believed, and therefore he received—not because he was qualified, but because God qualified the call