The Apostle Peter had many successes and failures as a follower of Jesus. We know that, ultimately, Peter was central to the spread of the Gospel and a primary leader in the first century Church. He preached the first sermon on the Day of Pentecost, he was the first to proclaim the Gospel to the Gentiles, and he wrote several of the New Testament books. Finally, Peter was faithful to the end, as he was martyred for his faith.
Peter is a hero of the faith, but he also had one of the biggest failures in history.
Your failures do not have to define you.
Peter's story is a reminder of the truth that failure doesn’t define you or determine your future. That is very Good News! Too often, we allow our failures to define us because we don't know how to respond to situations of failure. Peter's story helps us understand what we should do when we experience failure.
The first thing Peter did when he failed was to own it. The rooster crowed, and Peter immediately realized what he had done. He did not try to rationalize it based on his "extreme circumstances." He didn't shift the blame or justify his actions in any way. He messed up, big time, and he embraced it.
Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”
But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same. - Matthew 26:33-35
Following this, Peter repented. To repent means to turn around or to head in the opposite direction. This is exactly what Peter did, as the next thing we hear of Peter is him being with all the other disciples. He did not continue on the path of denial. Peter did not isolate himself from the community of faith. Instead, he returned to the place of a follower rather than wallowing in his position of failure.
The first thing Peter did was repent.
What abundant grace awaits us when we respond to our failure as Peter did. We know the testimony of Peter, including his denial of Jesus. He is known as the great apostle and pillar of the early Church. Failure won't define you! You will be restored when you take failure seriously, own your sin, repent, and seek God's grace.
It's time to move beyond your failures as you Dare to Ask God to show you His abundant grace and restoration.
EASTER BIBLE READING PLAN
Easter is about an encounter, a time when we experience the hope and love of a Savior who sacrificed His life for us, despite our deepest struggles, betrayals, and failures. Easter is a time to share the Good News of the empty tomb and the grace only found in our risen Savior.
God’s passion for His people can not be extinguished. Do you embody this same passion?