Forgiveness and Renewal

Yesterday my Pastor talked about how God restored Peter. How Peter’s forgiveness of himself was crucial, and how he had to get out of the shame of sin. It made me start examining my life and think, where am I? I have been swamped these past several months and haven’t spent time with Jesus as I should have. 

Failure and heartache can so often end a journey. The shame and guilt can consume our thoughts and override everything else. Peter was experiencing that guilt until Jesus intentionally called him out of it.

This message spoke straight to my heart so clearly. God has been putting this message in my heart for weeks now. He knew what Peter needed to hear that day on the shore, just like He knew what I needed to hear yesterday.

Yes, I have messed up; however, Jesus isn’t through with me. He still has a plan. A couple of weeks ago, a friend from church stopped by and told me what my words had meant to her during our Bible Study. God said, See, I am using you to reach and help others. Yesterday while the Pastor preached how Peter was renewed to continue sharing God’s message, I felt a tug at my heart say, “Listen closely! Come back and continue to share.”

God has a plan for each of us. We will mess up along the way, but God can and will still use us to spread His message if we are willing. 

The Bible says in Proverbs 16:9, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.”

We may feel like we have let God down and decided that we can’t do what He wants us to. Peter was going back fishing. God said, no, that isn’t what you are supposed to do. He had a better plan for Him. Just like he wasn’t finished with Peter, He isn’t finished with us either. 

After all, Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” We must seek and accept His forgiveness, listen to His voice, and let Him lead us.

So thankful for the forgiveness of our God and the love of Jesus to not leave us alone in our shame and guilt. He took that away on the cross. His love shines bright for us so we can see the path ahead. We need to trust and follow where He leads.