Simon Peter said to them, "I'm going fishing." They told him, "We are also coming with you." They immediately went out and entered into the boat. That night, they caught nothing. But when day had already come, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples didn't know that it was Jesus. Jesus therefore said to them, "Children, have you anything to eat?" They answered him, "No." John 21:3-5 WEB.The Apostle Peter had told Jesus, "If I must die with you, I will not deny You" (Mark 14:31). Then later that night, Peter cursed, swore, and denied that he even knew Jesus three times (Mark 14:71). Peter had failed the Lord Jesus and done the exact opposite of what he had promised Him. So after weeping, sulking, and waiting a while, Peter returned to his old way of life and what he did before he met Jesus, fishing. Peter thought that Jesus was done with him. That he had somehow wrecked God's plan for his life.
Peter's bluster was an example of typical human thinking. We make the Lord big promises and fail to keep them. Then we feel like a failure and that God is mad at us. We return to our old lifestyle like a washed pig to the mud. We begin to beat ourselves up and tell ourselves: "I can't do this. I am just no good at it. I gave it my best, and look at what that got me. I was better off before."
We return to our old life, our old ways, and soon settle into a rut. See, it's hard to get back up when you fail in a performance-based relationship. After you stumble in some activity you think is sinful, you tend to hide from God as Adam did. It has been that way for thousands of years.
The enemy will climb on your back like you are a pony and ride you around, constantly reminding you: "God is mad at you! You are finished! He knows what you did! You better not go back to that church!" So we hide in shame alone. All of this is a trick of satan to keep you beaten down, weak, powerless, and defeated. Separated from those who would help you.
Proverbs 24:16 says that the righteous get up, even if they fall seven times. So God isn't mad at you when you fall. Our relationship with Him isn't about our performance. It's about love. He is our Father. He loves us, and we should love Him. Of course, Jesus said, If you love Me, keep My commandments (John 14:15). Thankfully, we have forgiveness, for love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8).
While Peter was busy making promises, Jesus already knew that Peter would deny Him and said: "When you have turned again, strengthen your brothers" (Luke 22:32). The angel in the tomb told the women who came there: "Go tell His disciples'and Peter" (Mark 16:7). See, Peter was not to be left out because of his failures. Peter was always a part of the family.
It's ok to fail, fall, stumble, and return to your old ways, but don't stay there. Get back up. Jesus restored Peter and was never mad with him anyway. Jesus understood what Peter went through because He was one of us (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus understands; just don't give up trying. You will overcome if you don't give up. You are the only one that can stop you from fulfilling your destiny.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for being there for me. Please draw my heart to You, consume me, Lord, and fill me with Your presence. Lead me out of the darkness, and help me clearly see Your path for me. God have mercy on me, a sinner. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!Note: Ladies, today is Thankful Thursday at the "Ladies in Distress" group (our RHM women's group)! You are welcome to join in our weekly sharing of thankfulness for the Lord's presence and any blessings you may have experienced, big or small! "Ladies in Distress" is a private group, so if you have any problems joining, just post anywhere and we will help you :). Here is the link:
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Amen thank you Lord Jesus ❣️
Amen, Father thank You for Your Forgiveness
Amen
Amen! Thank You.
God have mercy on me, a sinner. Amen!
Amen. Heavenly Father, I Thank You for Your forgiveness, Grace & Mercy. You are my strength. Amen
In Lord Yeshua's name I ask this, Amen.
Thank you for forgiving me as I get up and brush myself off again. Thank you for your goodness I will never give up. Thank you Jesus for loving me ????????
Father God, have mercy on me, a sinner. In Jesus Name I ask, Amen
Yes please Heavenly Father have mercy on us ,sinners.We love you. Amen
Amen Thank You Father For Your Forgiven Me And My Family And Friends
Amen!!
Amen thank you Father for loving me and including me in your family I love you and we worship you.
Amen Have mercy on me.
Praise your precious name Lord Jesus. Thank you for waking me today, for your mercies, love and peace. Thank you for forgiving me and helping me to keep going. Bless my Father God. Thank you Pastor Dion and have a blessed day.
Amen ...!!!
This encouragement comes at a perfect time, Pastor Dion -- sharing it today! Thank you, Lord, for Your grace and forgiveness. AMEN
Amen
Amen Lord
Amen!
Amen! Thank you Lord for your mercy and everlasting love!
Amen!
Amen!! Thank you Lord for forgiving us when we fail you and always loving us!!
True love!! I love my Lord Jesus so much!!!! I'm so thankful for forgiveness and "My Abba" who sent him!! There is nothing like being a child of God and going to his throne of Grace through our Sweet and loving Lord, Jesus Christ...Amen