Of all the mistakes Peter made as a disciple, I’m sure he never wanted to tell about his conduct at the trial of Jesus, how he cursed and swore and denied any connection with Jesus, after he had said he was ready to die for him. Mere hours before the trial, anticipating Peter’s reluctance to expose his failure, Jesus said, “After you have repented, strengthen your brethren.” In other words, Peter needed to push past his desire to hide what he had done and tell his story to the other disciples, who had also said they were ready to die but fled when Jesus was arrested, fearing for their own lives, denying any connection with him.

Stories give people hope when they can’t see past their problems.

Peter may have said to the disciples, “You think there’s no hope? All you did was run from Gethsemane. I did much worse.” He would have explained the circumstances of each denial, the look on Jesus’ face as he turned away, and the rooster crowing his condemnation. In bitter weeping, after surrendering himself completely to the God’s will, he gained fresh assurance of God’s love, a feeling that somehow everything would be all right. He had a story that could strengthen his brethren.

Could your most difficult tragedy be the greatest hope you can give to others?