God is the only one that can turn your failures into stepping stones to success. Jesus told Peter beforehand that Satan was out to get him. He then assured Peter that, "I have prayed for you, Simon that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers" (Luke 22:31-32). I used to wonder why Jesus did not stop Satan from making Peter fail so woefully! I now know why. It's because we learn our lessons better after we've been through the humbling experience of failure.

Peter thought he was stronger than he was: "Lord, I'm ready to go with you to prison and to death" (Luke 22:33 NIV). We are the same way. We all have an exaggerated opinion of our own strength. Even when he thought he was "all that", Jesus was praying for him, just the same way He's doing today for you and me.

Jesus sees beyond the mistakes and failures in our lives. He sees the good that can come out of it. When you are dealing with the shame and remorse of failure, realize that your experience can be used to strengthen others. Jesus sees the potential in you. You may evaluate yourself by your present circumstances but He sees beyond that. He wants you however to do good with what's happened. Yes you've made a mistake. We all do! But what you do with it is what really counts. Someone God puts in your way today needs to be strengthened by the lessons you've learned.