#214 FAILURE IS NOT FINAL 9-30-26

John 21 gives us a beautiful picture of Jesus meeting Peter after Peter had failed Him. Peter had denied knowing Jesus three times, yet Jesus did not abandon him. After the resurrection, Jesus stood on the shore while the disciples struggled with an empty net. Then came the call: “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.”

When they came to shore, Jesus already had breakfast prepared. He was not there to humiliate Peter. He was there to restore him.

Three times Jesus asked, “Do you love Me?” Three times Peter answered. The Lord was giving Peter an opportunity to replace the memory of his three denials with three declarations of love. Then Jesus said, “Follow Me.”

That is grace. Jesus knows our failures, but He does not define us by our worst moment. He sees what we can become when we place our lives back into His hands.

Perhaps you have failed. Perhaps you have disappointed yourself or others. John 21 reminds us that failure is not necessarily the final chapter. Jesus still calls, “Follow Me.”

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Lord Jesus, thank You for loving us even when we fail. Restore our hearts, strengthen our faith, and help us follow You again. Amen.

BDD