We all experience moments of being wrecked and worn out, moments where we feel marginal
ized, forgotten, or even broken. It's in these challenging times that the fear of failure looms large, often a fear that is comparable to the weight of death or the anxiety of public speaking. However, it's crucial to recognize that failure is not the end but a stepping stone for growth.
Consider the story of Peter, a man who, despite denying Jesus three times in public, experienced a remarkable restoration. In John 21:15-19, we witness a conversation between Peter and Jesus that goes beyond mere words. Jesus, knowing Peter's heart, asks a probing question three times, challenging him, not because Jesus didn't understand Peter's response, rather he wanted Peter to reflect on his own response and his love for Christ.
Jesus walked Peter through this conversation and restoration in public, because Peter had denied Jesus in public. Charles Spurgeon said that a person's repentance should be as notorious as his sin. We should notice that the questions asked by Jesus were not about the tasks he had done for Jesus or the teachings he could recite, but centered on the essence of Peter's heart and love. Considering the Greek, we that Jesus used the term "agape," representing a profound, selfless love, when asking "Do you love me?" while Peter responded with "phileo," a more brotherly love. It wasn't until the third time, when Jesus used 'phileo' love that Peter became grieved and through this exchange, realized that he had not truly agape-loved Jesus like he had said before. It was in this self-revelation and humility that Peter came to a place of honesty and truth about his beliefs. Jesus knew all along, it was why He could predict that Peter would deny Him three times. But through love, patience, and grace Jesus guided Peter to His own truth. It was in the raw, honest self-awareness that Peter moved to a place of growth.
Upon Peter's revelation, Jesus didn't give up on him, rather accepting his "75%-love" and commitment. After each question, Jesus essentially told Peter to take care of His people. The very people that He died on the cross for to. From a place of genuine relationship, Jesus saw the potential for growth through service. And we surely saw Peter serve the Lord...from preaching at Pentecost, to spreading the Gospel throughout Antioch, and addressing the Counsel at Jerusalem. Through service to the Lord, Peter restoration continued and his love grew from phileo to agape love. Just look at Acts 12 and the imminent danger that Peter faced. James had been beheaded and Peter was up next! However, Peter exhibited an inexplainable calmness, as he was chained between the guards. Why? Because in this agape love for Christ, he was able to trust in God's promise that he would be crucified when he was old (John 21:18). This trust and surrender to God's will empowered Peter to serve Christ effectively and grow in love truthfully.
In vs. 19, we see Jesus telling Peter "Follow me." Wow! During this conversation, Jesus has referred to Peter as "Simon, son of John" and meets him at the Sea of Galilee. Just like when they first met. And now He repeats some of the first words He spoke to Peter..."Follow me." It was an invitation to follow Him with a renewed purpose, emerging from failure, lessons, and in truth.
No matter how wrecked or broken you may feel, God sees your failure and is not done with you yet. You have purpose and value, and the Lord is waiting for you to be honest with yourself so that He can meet you there and build you up. Embrace the learning process, respond to failure with growth, and discover the restoration that comes from a genuine encounter with the Lord. Are you ready to be honest with yourself and embrace the purpose that awaits you?
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