For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
–Jeremiah 29:11
Simon Peter was someone who knew about loss and grief. Peter was a fisherman who was earning a hard living on the Sea of Galilee when Jesus called him, saying he would make him a fisher of men.
Simon Peter began the adventure of his life when he followed Jesus that day. And Peter walked with Jesus and experienced the power of Christ’s presence in his life.
But after three years, the end came. On the night of Christ’s death, Peter denied knowing him three times. Peter witnessed the nails and the cross. And he experienced guilt, anguish, and remorse for his the betrayal of his friend.
On that bitter night, Peter thought his hopes and dreams had died with Jesus. He thought life would never be the same. But three days later, something miraculous happened. Someone came running and yelling, “Jesus is alive; we’ve seen Him!”
When Peter found the risen Christ, Jesus restored him! Jesus renewed him and gave him a future and a hope. And Peter, this man who had failed Jesus so miserably, became one of the great preachers of the faith.
So I wonder, do you feel like you have failed Jesus? Are you convinced that there is no plan for your life as a result?
If so, think about Peter. Jesus restored him… and he can restore you. He can do this because he paid for any failure of yours on the cross!
So thank Jesus today that he paid the price for your sins. And ask him to restore your hope in yourself… and in what he can accomplish through you.
NO MATTER WHAT YOU’VE DONE, JESUS CAN STILL RESTORE YOU AND GIVE YOU HOPE.
