The apostle Peter gets a bad rap sometimes. We deride Peter for taking his eyes off of Jesus and nearly drowning, we jump on him for denying the Lord and in Galatians we see where Paul opposes Peter for ditching the Gentiles during mealtimes.

Peter has fears; we can see this in each of the three examples above. On the water, he fears drowning. When confronted by possible capture, he fears what the Jews might do to him. And when he has to choose between his Jewish friends and the Gentiles, he is fearful of losing his friends.

That's why I can identify with Peter. I have the same fears. I fear heights more than drowning perhaps, but it's still a fear. And while I desperately want to follow Jesus with no-holds barred, what would I do if someone threatened my life with the sword unless I were to deny my faith? Would I deny Jesus in order to live another day?

And in all honesty I have to ask myself, "Are there times when I choose friends over a fearless defense of the truth?" In Galatians, Paul opposed Peter because of this very error. Would there be times when he would oppose me as well?

So yes, I identify with Peter. How about you? Do you struggle through the same battles as this apostle? If so, take heart — because Peter has a tremendous trait we can identify with as well.

Peter — often seen as bold — also has a heart for God. As a result, he is the first man in recorded history — other than Jesus — to walk on water. And though Peter is excoriated so much for denying Jesus, where were the other disciples at that time? My guess is that they were hiding. Peter was at least there, wanting to follow the Lord. And while Peter fell short with the Gentiles, earlier he stood up for their freedom in Christ and we can be sure that later, he stood with them again.

Peter’s life is an encouragement to all of us who try — and sometimes fall short. After all, if Peter — mighty Peter — can fall short, it’s all right for us to fall short and try again.

Peter never gave up; he kept moving forward. Later, Peter — from what we know — gave his life for the Lord; showing us that if we pick ourselves up and dust ourselves off enough, we too can succeed in being all God wants us to be.

Whenever we slip and fall, let’s remember Peter — a man who had the courage to try, and the strength to keep trying again.