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 and do 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. To separate you 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 okay 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 at 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: The FAAD group members (Fight Against Anxiety & Depression) today is"Feel Good Friday!". This event is about lifting up each other up! We all have times when we are weak, but together, we can get through it! We invite you to share anything that may have prompted a good feeling in your heart today. Even if you're having a bad day, perhaps look to encouraging scriptures, prayers or thoughts, and testimonies of God's work. Whether you are suffering from anxiety or depression or just want to help, all are welcome to join!:
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Amen Good morning Everyone
In Lord Jesus name I pray this, Amen.
Amen
Amen
Amen!!
Amen,
Yes Father. Lead me Lord. Open my spiritual eyes and ears so I can see and hear You clearly. Direct my paths. Lord, we need direction on a place to live. Thank you for the very visible victories this past week. Satan stung us hard, but You changed the outcome 5 times to our favor. I love You Lord. In Jesus Name.
In JESUS Name Amen!
Yes Heavenly Father thank you fir forgiveness when I fall. Thank you Jesus for loving me !! Amen
The world looks foggy and confusing today, dear God, so please help me fix my mind on You, in whom I can forever trust.
Alleluia!! Alleluia!! Amen!! Alleluia!!
Wonderful... the continuing story of redemption... thank you. Wishing you and your family a blessed day.
Yes, amen Lord.
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!
WE PAISE YOU FATHER. GOD isn't mad at us when we 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. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING FATHER, FOR WE GIVE EVERYTHING FOR THEY GLORY. IN YOUR NAME JESUS, WITH THY HOLY SPIRIT, WE LOVE YOU JESUS.
Amen!
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!
Thank you Pastor Dion for this awesome devotion today! We always need to ask God for His forgiveness when we fail, He will forgive us He just wants us to confess our sins to Him and submit to His will. We need to ask God for His help when we are weak or troubled.
Pray for Israel!!
AMEN!!! (h5)
Amen
Amen!