ditch the failures

John 21:7, ESV
When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.

One of my favourite moments in the gospels is when the resurrected Jesus cooks breakfast for Peter on the beach. Peter had failed Jesus so utterly and yet Jesus not only forgives him but reinstates him. (If you ever think i need forgiveness and reinstating please feed me breakfast on a beach!)

Satan really enjoys reminding us of our failures. Big or small, he has a record of them all. We need to know what to do when he starts with the condemnation and it’s Peter who tells us that.

You see, as soon as Peter sees Jesus on the beach, he stops what he’s doing, dives off his boat into the sea, and swims to the Lord on the shore. In the middle of the worst time of his entire life, Peter knows with Jesus failure is never final. So he deliberately puts himself in a place where he can come face-to-face with Jesus and be pardoned and purposed.

We need to do the same. When you fail, take it straight to Jesus. Let him restore and repurpose you.

Let's pray
Jesus, I am so aware of my shortcomings and failings that sometimes I hold back from you in the hope you won't notice them. But you see my heart, and you know the times I let you and myself down. I am amazed that you love me regardless! I give you all my failures today, Lord. Thank you that as I do that you utterly restore me. Amen.