Have you ever messed up? I mean really messed up. Fallen hard? Failed? Quit? Turned your back and walked the other way? Hurt someone you love? Would you like a second chance? Check out this story about Peter’s meeting with Jesus after denying the Lord three times.

John 21:15
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.”

Remorseful after his three denials, Peter, the former fisherman, went back to what he knew best. But when the resurrected Lord called to Peter from the shore and provided for a miraculous catch of fish, Peter jumped in the water and ran to Jesus.

In an intimate conversation, Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?” Perhaps each declaration was to counter each previous denial. Then Jesus reinstated Peter and gave him a reaffirming invitation to follow.

Peter got a second chance. So can you. God has not written you off. He has not cast you aside. Your failure is not final. While we must acknowledge and repent of our sin, Jesus waits with open arms to welcome us back, reinstate us, and use us. Our past cannot define us. We are defined by who we are in Jesus—loved, accepted, significant, forgiven, and secure. Jesus forgives us and unlocks the prison of past regret. So, own your failure. Confess and repent of your sin. And pray for God to do his healing work. It’s time to move forward with forgiveness and serve him in freedom.

Lord Jesus, someone reading this today is confident that their past sins have disqualified them from a relationship with you. Please speak to their heart and remind them of Peter, who was forgiven, reinstated, and restored. May today be the day when your forgiveness is accepted and freedom is provided. Amen.