You will Experience Complete Restoration in the arms of Jesus
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.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.
John 21:15-17,NIV
Just like any other human being, Peter also has His weaknesses. When Jesus was arrested, He walked away from His teacher and was consumed by fear. People accused Him as Jesus’ disciple, but Peter denied to them. Not once, not twice, but thrice. He insisted that He didn’t know Jesus. He lied, cursed, and swore in front of other people. But even before all these things happened, Jesus already knew that Peter would experience this devastating moment. After he denied His shepherd, Peter wept bitterly and was so ashamed.
This is the same Peter who walked on the waters with Jesus. He is the one who confessed to Him that He is the messiah, the Son of the living God. He also saw Jesus’ transfiguration in the mountain and even heard the voice of the Father. But despite the miracles that Peter experienced, his fear still consumed Him, and it affected His words and actions. But the intriguing part is, Jesus knew what would happen even before He called Peter to follow Him. He sees what’s ahead, but still, He believes in him. He even changed his name from Simon to Peter, which means rock. Jesus knew who He truly was. Peter was not defined by His mistakes. But Jesus saw His potential and redeemed him from the sins that He committed.
Peter denied Jesus three times. That’s why Jesus completely restored Him by asking about His love and commitment again in the same exact number. He gave Him the chance to reinstate His devotion and faith. And not only that, Jesus even empowered Him by giving Him the task to feed and take good care of His sheep. Again, Jesus called Peter to follow Him. He completely entrusted him with an important mission to spread the gospel to more people. Jesus didn’t give up on Peter. He believed in Him. He gave Him the chance to stand and walk again.
That’s who your Savior is. He will not give up on you. No matter how many mistakes you committed. Still, His love will remain. He created you. He knew you from the inside. That’s why He is the only one who can completely restore you. So if you have so many failures in life, then just like Peter, come to Jesus and let Him change you from the inside out. He will renew your strength. He will never condemn you. Instead, He will give you the courage you need. He will give you the chance to make things right.
