Peter thought that he was strong enough to go to prison or even die for Jesus.
But he was shown his utter weakness.
On the contrary Jesus was going to die for him.
And he was going to deny Jesus three times.
But …
Jesus had prayed for him that his faith would not fail.
Faith in what?
In the fact that no matter how much he messed up, Jesus’s compassion, mercy and forgiveness would never fail.
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.” (Luke 22:31-34 NIV)
So we too deceive ourselves if we think we are strong.
And when we falter or fail, His compassion and forgiveness await us.
He intercedes for us as well.
And you will notice that in spite of his failure, Jesus tells him that he is to strengthen the other disciples!
For us too failure is not a disqualification.
That is grace.