And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept. Mark 14:72 ESV
How vivid the memory of Jesus’ prophecy, how bitter the tears! Though Peter asserted otherwise, he ended up caving under pressure.
Like Peter, you and I will experience failures, moments when we let God down. Because we are sinful people and live in a broken world, we are prone to mess up. But God knows this. He understands that though our spirit is willing, our flesh is weak (Mark 14:38) In His grace, He made a provision for that. “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are, yet He did not sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” Hebrews 4:15-16.
Despite Peter’s failure, Jesus continued to love him. Peter’s failure was not the end – it was a wake up call. Jesus would eventually restore Peter and place him in a position of leadership (John 21).
I am so glad God doesn’t cast us aside and consider us useless when we mess up. In Christ, we can come back from even our biggest failures. When we ask God to forgive our sins and step into His grace, our life becomes a witness to Jesus’ love and power. We are no longer defined by our sins. We are defined by His grace.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the cross. Thank you for your forgiveness and grace. Help us to remember that our failures are not the end but an indication that we need more of you, more of your Spirit in every part of our hearts and minds. May our lives testify to your endless love and mercy. In Your name we pray, Amen.