1. He relied on his own strength



Matthew 26:31 Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “ ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’  (NIV)



Matthew 26:33  Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” (NIV) 



Matthew 26:35 But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same. (NIV)



2. He reacted without thinking



Matthew 26:69–70  Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said. 70 But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said. (NIV)



3. He caved to the crowd



4. He went backwards instead of forwards



John 21:3  “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. (NIV)



4 Catalysts To A Comeback



1. Choose to reflect over regret



A part of reflecting is grieving



Matthew 26:75 Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly. (NIV)



Reflecting is also how you learn from it



2. Choose community over isolation



John 20:2–3  So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” 3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. (NIV)



3. Choose the voice of Jesus over the voice of the enemy



3A. I am not shocked by your setback



3B. I am praying for you



Luke 22:31–32  “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (NIV)



3C. I still believe in you and your comeback



Luke 22:32  But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (NIV)



Proverbs 24:16 for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes. (NIV)