I love the moment in Scripture when Jesus changed Simon’s name. He said: “Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah…I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church” (Matt. 16:17-18). Jesus saw something special in Peter. By giving him a name that means “rock,” He was seeing past Peter’s doubts and weaknesses. He called him into his true identity as a strong apostolic leader.
Peter didn’t always act like a rock. He was often unstable, and he even denied Jesus after His arrest. But ultimately Peter became the solid rock that Jesus said he would become. In the same way, you can speak to the destiny of those you mentor. Your job is to see their potential. Give them Scriptures. Text or call them and remind them of their purpose, especially when they have failed. Your words of blessing will build them up and catapult them to a higher level of spiritual maturity.”