When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” –John 21:15 NIV
A familiar Bible story is the story of Simon Peter and his betrayal of Jesus. One minute Peter is swearing he’s ready to die for Jesus, and the next he’s denying that he ever knew Him. Peter was sincere when he vowed his devotion to Christ, but fear stopped him cold. Jesus knew it was going to happen. He even warned Peter, yet Peter still fell. Peter went out and wept bitterly. His heart was broken because of what he’d done, yet his relationship with Jesus wasn’t broken. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples as no longer a man but now the risen Lord. Peter didn’t run and hide from Jesus, he ran to Him. When Jesus spoke to Peter, He asked Peter if he loved Him three times. Three times Peter answered, “Yes, Lord, You know that I love You.” Each time Jesus told him to feed His sheep. But what was Jesus really saying? He was saying, “Get back to it, Peter. Yes, you failed, but now your sins are forgiven. Don’t let guilt and condemnation keep you from your destiny.” Have you ever failed? Ask for forgiveness, and then get back to it. Your life’s purpose is still awaiting fulfillment.
Take time to pray and seek God’s help so that when you mess up, you can learn to forgive yourself.
Never think you are too broken to be of value to the Father. He specializes in showing Himself strong in our weaknesses.