“But
go, tell His disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you
will see Him there just as He told you.” (Mark 16:7)
D
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God give second chances to those who have failed Him? He certainly did so for
Peter. Peter had proudly announced that he was Jesus' most reliable disciple (Matthew
26:33). Yet Peter not only fled with the other disciples in the moment of
crisis, but also blatantly denied he even knew Jesus (Matthew 26:69–75). Peter
failed so miserably that he went out into the night and wept bitterly (Luke
22:62).
How
compassionate the risen Christ was to Peter! The angel gave the women at the
tomb special instructions to let Peter know that He was raised. Jesus took
Peter aside to allow him the opportunity to reaffirm his love and commitment (John
21:15–17). The risen Lord also chose Peter as His primary spokesman on the day
of Pentecost, when three thousand people were added to the church.
God's
desire is to take you from where you are and bring you to where He wants you to
be. When He found His defeated followers hiding together in an upper room,
Jesus' first word was “Peace” (John
20:19). Jesus' first words to you after you fail may also be “peace.” Jesus
will find you in despair and bring you peace. Then, He will reorient you to
Himself so that you can believe Him and follow Him. Don't give up if you have
failed your Lord or people around you. Remember what happened to Peter. God has
not yet finished developing you as a disciple. God bless you.
PRAYER
POINT: O Lord Jesus, Your love and Your mercy endures forever. Even though our
own love is often so shallow, when we intercede for Your mercy on our lives you
bring across our path, O Lord, grant me a second chance to serve You better,
Thank You for answering my prayer. Amen!

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