When Jesus met Peter for the first time, He knew Peter had a personality of great highs and great lows; capable of climbing the mountaintop and then swiftly dropping into the valley.

Instead of looking at Peter’s recklessness, Jesus kept his hope alive by focusing on Peter’s strengths. “You are Peter,” He said, giving the man a nickname that literally meant “Rock,” “and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (see Matthew 16:18).

Jesus did not dwell on Peter’s past. He didn’t even focus on Peter’s present actions. Instead, Jesus inspired Peter with God’s vision for his future.

After Peter denied His Lord three times, he looked at Jesus’ face and saw only forgiveness. Then, Peter remembered that Jesus had prayed for him not to fall.

Later on, Peter became the head disciple and a pillar of the early Church. As Jesus had hoped, Peter was faithful until he died.

You do not know your future, but if you rely on Jesus as Peter did, Jesus will keep your hope alive.