He says to Simon Peter in Luke 22:31-32, “Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers” (NLT). This very powerful verse teaches a lot about your failures.

Just as he did with Peter, Jesus knows every failure in your life before it happens. He won’t be surprised at the failures you’ll have this year or any bad decisions you’ll make far in the future. He already knows them. He knows the past, present, and future. He knows everything before it happens. That’s why he also prays for you before your failure happens.

Notice that Jesus says, “when you have repented and turned to me again.” He doesn’t say “if.” Jesus already knows that you’ll recover from the sins, mistakes, and bad decisions that you’re going to make in the future.

God already knows. And because he knows, he has already prayed for you. He has prayed not just for you to make it through but that you would repent from your sin and then—the last part of this verse—strengthen the other disciples.

Jesus wants you to help others as you learn from your mistakes. Part of God’s dream for your life is to take the lessons of your mistakes and help somebody else.

The same four things Jesus says to Peter he is also saying to you: “I know every mistake you’re going to make in life, and I’ve already prayed for them. Because of that, I know you’re going to come back to me. Then, when you come back, I want you to help other people.”

That’s good news. It means that, ultimately, you can’t destroy your life if you’ve given it to God, because he is going to work it all out. What a comfort!

Everyone has failures. But how you respond to failure can set you apart. As a follower of Jesus, repent of your sin; then encourage other believers in their faith, showing them how to be obedient to God’s Word.