But He Was

15 Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, 16 but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in. 17 The servant girl at the door said to Peter, “You also are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” 18 Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.
John 18:15-18
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But He Was
Peter could be bold, like when he promised to even die with Jesus rather than fall away. Peter could be weak, like when he denied he was one of Jesus' disciples. Peter says and does the things that Christians say, think, and do. We are at the same time believers in Jesus and righteous by virtue of our Baptism and rebels, sinning against the very God that we believe in. We are at the same time righteous and sinner. Our unbelief struggles against an unmovable and infinitivally strong force. The Holy Spirit dwells in your heart. He has been given to you in your Baptism and he creates faith and prepares you for this life-long fight. Cling to the promises of God even when you are tempted to deny and rebel. Return to God's Word when the devil tempts and the world entices. Christ Jesus has won the victory for you and he gives you strength in your weakness.