Hanging out in your usual place, away from the limelight doing what you would ordinarily do. Unknown to you, you are about to have an encounter – an interaction – that will change the trajectory of your life.

Matthew 4:18-19 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, and “I will make you fishers of men.”

All of us need an encounter – that interaction – with someone who will see beyond our present circumstances, and usher us into our place of Destiny.

Jesus saw Peter and Andrew not just as fishermen, but as fishers of men. That was a pivotal moment for Simon Peter. Jesus went on to pick another 10 disciples, making Simon Peter, just one of the 12.

Yet, there was something different about Peter. He, like the rest, had been called out by Jesus; yet only he had a revelation of Jesus’ identity.

Even as being located by our destiny helper is key in our journey to Destiny, what is even of greater importance is our realization and understanding of the role and position of the people God uniquely brings into our lives.

Matthew 16:16-17 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by Father in heaven.”

The foundation for who where we are going, is really predicated on the revelation and relationship that we have with the people assigned to us. Unless we are able to perceive the people that are assigned to take us to the next level correctly, we will miss out on the opportunity to imbibe the mentorship necessary for our assignment.

Matthew 16:18 “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”

Simon Peter’s unique destiny was unlocked by his perception of Jesus’ identity, and his reverence for Jesus.

Many times we will encounter people who we need to open certain doors for us or even unlock hidden gifts and potentials in us. The key to achieving the Purpose for this connection is in first identifying their place and treating these people with honor and dignity.

Matthew 17:1-2 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them.

Simon Peter did not only make it to the chosen 12, he was in Jesus’ inner circle, among the most trusted to see Jesus in His highest and lowest moments.

There was something different about him. He was cut out for greatness.

Luke 22:31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat.”

Simon was a marked man. There’s something about people who carry great destinies. What seems to be a clear advantage is on the flipside a distinct disadvantage. They have a target marked on their back. They are almost in equal measure, set apart for attack.

Luke 22:32 “But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail.”

It’s interesting that Jesus did not promise to save Simon from being attacked. It was surely going to happen. He was going to have to go through it. His only prayer is that Simon’s faith would not fail. That somehow he would triumph, that he would overcome.

The journey to destiny is almost guaranteed to have attacks, obstacles, challenges. Our prayer, then, should not be that the challenges are taken away, but that our faith will be strengthened, and that we will somehow come out on the other side – victorious.

Luke 22:32b “And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

The challenges we face in life are hardly ever for ourselves. While we may take lessons from the valley moments, the greatest glory for the Kingdom, is in our turning back – to offer encouragement and hope for others probably going through similar challenges.

That was Jesus’ instruction to Simon Peter – to turn back and strengthen the others.

No experience goes to waste in God’s economy. God’s agenda for us as we journey towards Destiny is not only that we will fulfill our individual purpose, but that we will also develop capacity to reach out and help others fulfill their God-given purpose.

Luke 22:33 But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.”

It’s easy for us to make promises based on our revelation of our Destiny helpers – and offer our unwavering loyalty to them. Peter was waxing lyrical about his loyalty to Jesus.

Yet, our relationships with our God-ordained connections will go through a test. The passing of this test is not necessarily in the perfection of the parties involved; it is in the place of exchange of Loyalty.

Luke 22:61-62 The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Peter, had seemingly failed the Loyalty test. It was over for him. Everything he had sacrificed for was gone. It seemed at this point, that Destiny had been aborted.

While Peter had done his part in giving his time and service to Jesus, this moment was really about Jesus. His loyalty for Peter was put to the test.

You see, Loyalty is really a give and take. Both parties in a God-ordained journey will be tested at various points. Their ability and willingness to make a sacrifice for the sake of the greater good – will determine the fulfillment of God’s purpose.

Acts 2:41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Jesus’ ability to pardon Peter, accept him at his most vulnerable moment, and still usher him to his God-ordained purpose despite his obvious failing was the Defining moment.

Peter, the one who denied Jesus, became the most vocal of the disciples and achieved one of the greatest feats – the conversion of 3,000.

In our journey of Destiny, we will find Destiny moments where we are located by our helpers, and will face challenges in pursuing our Purpose. My prayer for us is that our faith will not fail, that we will remember to turn back to be a source of encouragement to others, that we and the people assigned to us will by the grace of God pass the Loyalty Test, and that ultimately Destiny will be fulfilled.

Bon Voyage!