I am convinced that almost anyone can change. The purpose of life is to change. The sacrifice of the Savior insured that. And to me no character in the scriptures exemplifies change more than the Apostle Peter.

Three times on the night of the Savior’s betrayal Peter denied Him, and that after publicly proclaiming that he would never forsake Him. The record says that after the third denial, the cock crowed and Peter went out and wept bitterly.

I can only imagine the depth of Peter’s pain and guilt at what he had done. Surely it must have been one of the lowest points of his life. I’ve often wondered what thoughts filled his mind during those three days that Jesus was in the tomb. Could it have been something like this?

“There’s no hope for me now; I can never be forgiven. My sin is too great; I’ve sinned too much. How could He ever love me again?’

Well, if the story of Peter’s life had ended there, it would have been a tragedy indeed. But it didn’t. On the day of the resurrection, Peter was privileged with a personal visit from the Risen Lord, face to face, one on one. Peter was forgiven, and once more encircled in the arms of the Savior’s love. It changed him. That change is dramatically illustrated by an event that occurred some two months later.

Late one afternoon, Peter and John walked into the Temple. As they passed through the gate called “Beautiful,” a man crippled from birth begged alms of them.

“… Look on us.” Peter commanded. (Acts 3:4)

The man looked at them expecting to receive something of them, but Peter said, “… Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I [unto] thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” (Acts 3:6)

Peter reached down and lifted the man to stand on feet that had never borne weight. “…walking, [and] leaping, and praising God:” the healed man entered the Temple rejoicing. (Acts 3:8)

Under the refining hand of the Master, Peter’s denial became the catalyst for his change. Eventually he became like the Master he worshipped, a man of miracles, eventually even a martyr.

I believe that Peter is a pattern for all those who want to change. Whether we are now in the rock bottom of bitter tears and regret for past mistakes, or simply stranded on a plateau of complacency, when invited the Savior comes and will encircle us in the arms of His love. And the effect: We are changed; we are never again the same.