Introduction

A. Everyone knows the feeling of making a commitment and then failing to live up to it. Can you imagine how Peter felt after he forsook the Lord in the garden and then denied Him?

B. When we fail to live up to the commitment that we have made to the Lord, what should we do?

I. The disciples’ faith failed more than once.

A. Their faith failed them on the Galilee Sea (Luke 8:22-25).

B. Peter’s faith failed him on another stormy night (Matthew 14:22-32).

C. Their faith failed them when they tried to cast a demon out of a little boy (Matthew 17:14-21).

D. Their faith failed again in the garden (Matthew 26:30-43).

II. In spite of all their failures, Jesus continued to bear with them.

A. He sent them on evangelistic missions (Matthew 10).

B. He gave them great responsibilities (Matthew 16:19; John 21:15).

C. He prayed for them (John 17:6-19; Luke 22:31-32).

III. These floundering men went on to accomplish great things.

A. They boldly declared the name of Jesus in spite of persecution (Acts 4-5).

B. They worked extraordinary miracles (Acts 5:15).

C. They took the Gospel to the whole world (Colossians 1:23).

Conclusion

A. I find it comforting that Jesus chose ordinary men but that He didn’t build His church upon them.

B. When I fail to live up to my commitment, it is encouraging to know that God can still use me in His kingdom.