The New Testament tells the story of Peter. He was the first apostle called to follow Jesus. He originally was named Simeon, but Jesus changed his name to Peter, which means “rock.” Peter was a Galilean fisherman who left everything to follow the Lord. There are many stories in the Bible, both good and bad, about Peter. However, the one most often remembered is how he denied Jesus three times. His fear took over and prevented him from standing firm in his faith. 

Fear happens to everyone at one time or another, but Peter’s story does not end in fear. Peter became a mighty fisher of men, beginning on the day of Pentecost, when God used him to declare the message of salvation to 3,000 people. He willingly suffered persecution, beatings, and imprisonment for the Lord’s sake. Peter’s ending was not his beginning. You may fall short at times and think you are unworthy. But the Lord sees the end from the beginning. Don’t lose hope or give up. You can have a changed life—one that finishes strong for the Lord.