Lessons from Peter

"But Peter said, ‘Man, I do not know what you are talking about.’ And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed." – Luke 22:60

Peter knew what it felt like to blow it. He was one of Jesus’ closest followers, bold enough to step out of the boat in the middle of a storm, confident enough to say he would never leave Jesus’ side. But when the moment of testing came, Peter caved. He denied Jesus three times. Not once. Three times. And the last time, he even cursed to distance himself from being associated with Him.

Imagine that moment. The rooster crows, just like Jesus said it would, and Peter locks eyes with the One he just denied. That moment could have defined Peter’s life. It could have been the ending. But with Jesus, failure isn’t final.

After the resurrection, Jesus didn’t discard Peter. He restored him. On the shore of Galilee, Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him. Not to shame him, but to re-commission him. Jesus gave Peter the opportunity to rewrite the story. And Peter did. He went on to preach at Pentecost, where thousands came to faith. He became a pillar in the early church. He gave his life boldly for the gospel.

Peter’s story teaches you that God is not looking for perfect people. He is looking for surrendered hearts. You might have messed up. You might have denied Him through your choices, through your silence, or through the fear of what others might think. But that is not the end of your story.

God still has a calling for you. He still has a mission. And just like Peter, you can come back from the biggest failure of your life and walk into the greatest purpose of your life. That’s what grace does. It does not overlook your sin, but it offers redemption through it.

Do not let your lowest moment convince you that God is done. He is not. Jesus is standing on the shore, ready to restore you. The question is the same one He asked Peter. Do you love Me? If your answer is yes, then it is time to get up and feed His sheep. There is still work to be done.