Immediately a rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had made the remark to him, “Before a rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” And he began to weep. Mark 14:72

Jesus directly and calmly answered his accusers. Peter, on the other hand, cowardly denied he knew the Lord. If we associate with Christianity long enough we’ll be called to account. Are we really one of them or not? Pray that you will unequivocally say “Yes!” when they do. In that defining moment you will launch a new phase of your faith. Your words will provide a foundation for works far greater. It may seem that life as you’ve known it is over, but it will have just started.

The apostles were overjoyed at the chance to be persecuted for their Lord, and they didn’t stop rejoicing and spreading the gospel (Acts 5:41). It will be a crying shame if you slink back! Peter was in a bad way until the risen Christ met him face to face later on (1 Corinthians 15:5).