Best Days and Worst Days

“When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, … whom say ye that I am?”

They had seen empty nets filled, storms at sea calmed, loaves multiplied, and the dead raised. When Peter answered, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God,” Jesus responded, “Blessed art thou, Simon … : … flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.”

That day must have felt like a best day. The Spirit confirmed an eternal truth, and Peter courageously bore testimony of it.

But only three verses later, a shift occurred. As Jesus began to speak of His coming death, Peter rebuked Him, saying, “This shall not be.”

“Get thee behind me, Satan,” was the Savior’s immediate response.

Peter had good intentions—he didn’t want the Savior to die—but he misunderstood God’s plan for His Son. Peter’s story went from best day to worst day in a matter of three verses.

From Peter’s story we learn that our understanding of eternal truth is not forged in a single moment—testimony is built over time, day after day, both best days and worst.

Those eternal truths are often proven through invitation.

In Matthew 14, Peter and the other disciples were caught in a storm when Jesus approached the ship. Peter cried out, “Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.” And Jesus answered with an invitation: “Come.” So Peter stepped out of the boat. “He walked on the water, to go to Jesus.”

Best day.

But in the very next verse, we read that Peter saw the wind, became afraid, and began to sink.

Worst day in a matter of moments.

Have you ever accepted an invitation from the Lord and then felt unequal to the task? We all know what it is to doubt, to experience sinking moments. But notice where Jesus was when Peter accepted the invitation that seemed too big. He wasn’t shouting instructions from the shore or offering advice from the safety of the boat. He was in the water—with Peter. Within reaching distance.

As you accept the Lord’s invitations, on both your best days and your worst, the same will be true for you.

Now let’s consider one final story. This time, let’s begin with the worst day.

On the night Christ was arrested, Peter denied knowing Him three times, and then the rooster crowed. Luke writes, “The Lord turned, and looked upon Peter.”

I often think about that look.

Jesus knew the worst wasn’t over. He knew there were very hard experiences ahead. When Peter saw that look, Luke tells us he remembered the warning from Jesus about the cock crowing. I can’t help but wonder if Jesus was remembering the encouraging words He had spoken to Peter earlier that day: “I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.”

Perhaps that look was not a look of failure but instead a look of enabling strength meant to carry Peter through the worst moments ahead: The trial. The cross. The tomb.

After those hard days had passed, and after a long night of fishing, Peter and Jesus stood on the shore of Galilee. On that day the Savior extended another invitation: “Feed my sheep.” Peter’s faith hadn’t failed, and because of his deep love for Jesus Christ, there was still a great work in store for him. Peter was to be more than just a fisherman; he would now become a shepherd.

Sometimes we may wonder if the Lord’s promises will truly be fulfilled in us—especially when all seems lost. Especially on our worst days.

Peter’s story reminds us that they will.

History could suggest that Peter was a man who tried to stand in the way of the Father’s plan, who nearly drowned because of lack of faith, and who denied knowing the Savior three times—and that would be true. But it is also true that Peter walked on water, he was the first Apostle to bear witness that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and he was given priesthood keys to preside over the Lord’s Church. And maybe it took both the worst days and the best days for Peter to become who the Lord needed him to become.

I don’t know what your story looks like right now, if today is a best day or a worst day. But here is my advice for you. On that worst day with Greg several weeks ago, I opened my For the Strength of Youth guide, wondering if the eternal truths, invitations, and promised blessings from the guide could really help Greg and me find strength in Christ.

Here is what I read. Maybe these words will help you.

“God’s plan is for you. … He has all power and knows all things. You can trust Him, even when life is hard.”

“God wants to communicate with you.” He knows you. He knows your name. “Pour out your heart to Him. … Be still and listen for His answers.”

“Jesus Christ will help you. … When you are worried, afraid, or [struggle] in any way, He will comfort you.”

“Walk in God’s light. … You make better choices when you can see things clearly.”

“Temple ordinances and covenants give you greater access to God’s blessings,” help you navigate your life with divine guidance, increase your companionship with the Spirit and with angels, and enable you to live up to your privileges and draw upon the power of God.

Finally, “Jesus Christ brings joy. … You might have a bad day, a bad week, or a bad year. [Just remember,] joy is not the absence of sorrow in your life; [it is] the presence of [Jesus] Christ in your life.”

As you spend time in this guide, you will begin to realize that this is not just a guide for standards; this is a guide for strength.

Because Jesus Christ knows all about best days and worst days: suffering so great that an angel was sent to strengthen Him, the betrayal of a good friend, the cross on Calvary.

But His story also has a garden, a stone rolled away, and an empty tomb.

Because of Him, no matter how bad things are right now, your best days are ahead.

Jesus Christ is our strength. This I know. Of this I bear witness in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.