Text: John 21:1-15
“But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.” —Psalm 130:4
A man was struggling with a particular failure in his life when he told a friend, “I think I have ruined God’s plan for my life.” The friend graciously replied, “Do you really think you are that powerful?”
If you feel like a failure, you’re in the same shoes that Peter once owned, figuratively speaking of course. Peter’s whole life seems like an object lesson for so-called idiots, who tried to follow Jesus but really blew it. He must’ve surely felt like he ruined his relationship with Jesus when he denied knowing Him to others. Perhaps you can relate. That’s why I love what happens in the last chapter of John’s gospel, following the darkest chapter in Peter’s life.
When Jesus rose from the dead, He didn’t give a sermon to the world, He went and made breakfast for His friends—a disgraced Peter and the other disciples. Over a little campfire by the sea, Jesus shows Peter an ocean of grace. That kindness of the Savior leads to Peter’s repentance, restoration, and redemption. And we know the rest of Peter’s story!
Never let your past failure keep you from your future YOU. Wherever you’re at in your walk with God, look to the cross. That’s where Jesus paid the ultimate price for our disobedience. The writer of Hebrews tells us to throw off the sin that so easily entangles us and to “fix” our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2). That Greek word “fix” means “to turn the eyes away from other things and fix them on something else.” By turning from our sin and failure, and looking to the Author and Finisher of our story, we find a fresh start in our walk with Christ.
Remember, failure isn’t a big enough bully to intimidate the stature of God’s forgiveness. Or as the song goes, “Our sins are many, His mercy is more.” There will never be a moment in your life when Jesus regrets forgiving you. He knows you fully, and loves you beyond your worst of days. That is Good News to think about as you seek to abide in Him this week.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank you for your kindness that leads to repentance. My sins have been many, but your mercy is more. Help me to fix my eyes on Jesus and His atoning work on the cross, as I turn away from my sin, my shame, my disgrace, and all my failures. This is only possible because of the riches of your mercy and the fact that YOU are greater than my failure. Help me to live this good news by the power of your indwelling Holy Spirit, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
