Imagine being able to do anything you wanted to do without having to be concerned about costs or consequences. You could have success without risk or sacrifice. A happy marriage without having to work at it. Education without exams.

We all realize, though, that's not the way life works. To know the joy of success, we must pay the price of commitment and learn from our failures.

Before Jesus was arrested and put on trial, Peter expressed his devotion to Him by saying, "Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death" (Luke 22:33). When that noble intention was put to the test, Peter's resolve melted under pressure. He denied three times that he knew Jesus (vv.56-60). But his failure wasn't final. He later reaffirmed his love for the Lord (John 21:15-19). And when empowered by the Holy Spirit he became a bold witness (Acts 2-12), willing to be imprisoned and even die for his Lord (John 21:18-19).

Our commitment to Christ will be tested as well. We may falter and need to be restored. Sometimes we will have to pay a price—suffering rejection or loss. But the only way to know the joy of Christ's approval is to give our lives unreservedly to Him. When we do, He will work through us, as He did through Peter (Luke 22:32), to encourage others.    — Albert Lee