Peter felt like a "failure" - not "good enough" - after denying Jesus three times - But Jesus lovingly came to restore and rebuild Peter back to service. God used Him in great ways! What God has begun in us He will complete with the help of the Holy Spirit! Keep looking UP!!
After his resurrection, Jesus had to come to deal with the unbelief of his disciples – Thomas specifically. He had to keep them from going back to their "old ways" – when they decided to go "back to fishing" – and He also had to come and heal them - specifically Peter for his denial.
Peter was an ordinary fisherman, married, natural-born leader. He became the spokesman of the twelve. He was part of Jesus' small circle along with James and John. He was there when Jesus was transfigured on the mountain. The Holy Spirit revealed to him that Jesus was "the Christ, the Son of the living God", he walked on water - he was the "rock".
He also was impulsive, rash, reckless, and careless at times. Jesus had to correct him several times. When he was drowning after walking on water when he spoke about Jesus' death, and when he drew the sword to attack the servant of the high priest — and when He denied Jesus three times. He had his ups and downs, but Jesus was faithful to him through all this.
After Jesus' resurrection, Peter desperately needed to hear the good news, he definitely needed the miracle of the large catch of fish - and he extremely needed that restoration. Jesus made sure He gave Peter what he needed - He loved him, corrected him, and restored him.
Peter was an ordinary, unschooled person, but he was willing to serve and follow Jesus! It doesn't matter what he did - Jesus was there all along!
Just like Peter, it doesn't matter where we come from, what we've done, or how hurt we are — all that we need is to have the willingness to follow Jesus, just like Peter did. Jesus will take care of those ups and downs!!
👉🏼He will help you to overcome fear as He did with Peter when he walked on water. “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18)
👉🏼Overcome unfaithfulness - as he did with Peter when he felt like a failure in his own eyes for denying His Lord and Savior. With Jesus, "failure" is not an option. “If we are faithless, he will remain faithful, He cannot deny Himself.” (2 Timothy 2:13).
👉🏼 He will instruct you, just like Jesus corrected Peter with patience and love. “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go” (Psalm 32:8).
👉🏼 AND He will use you in GREAT ways, just like He used Peter!!
Keep following Him!
Keep looking up!
He's coming!!
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