Failure is Not Final

You can move beyond past failures to be used by God for His glory.

The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.

– Psalm 145:14 ESV

Peter went from working as a fisherman to following Jesus. He spent much time with Him and witnessed His many miracles. After Jesus foretold the falling away of His disciples, Peter said, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” 

Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.”

Peter replied, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” (See Matthew 26:33-35 KJV).

Even when we fall, God is willing to restore us for service to Him and His people.

After the soldiers and religious leaders took Jesus away for trial, Peter did deny that he knew Jesus (John 18), but that is not the end of the story. After Jesus rose from the dead, He had a conversation with Peter, restoring his position to leadership, and telling him to shepherd God’s people (John 21). It is evident in Acts chapters 1 and 2, along with letters he wrote, that Peter went on to be used by God in mighty ways.

Peter’s early failures did not define him. Jesus already knew where he would falter. As he realized his weakness and received restoration from His Lord, he moved forward in his devotion and service to Him the rest of his days.

You too can be restored and used in mighty ways by God in His work and purpose. Your failures do not have to define you.

Today’s One Thing

A prayer you can pray: “Father, forgive me for placing limits on what only You can do in and through me. I confess my reliance on my broken self, receive Your forgiveness, and surrender to Your marching orders to be used by You. Amen.”

Go Deeper

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