John 21:15-19

Be Still: As I take this moment to pause and reflect, Lord, draw near to me. Fill me with Your Spirit, renew my mind, and speak to my heart. Amen

Read: John 21:15-19 

The third time he said to him, 'Simon son of John, do you love me?'

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, 'Do you love me?' He said, 'Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.'

Jesus said, 'Feed my sheep.' (v17)

Encounter: I've often struggled with sharing my faith. I’ve fluffed it so many times. I find myself flung into a panic when someone asks me, ‘What did you do over the weekend?’ In the past, I’ve often skirted around the issue, saying something like, ‘Not much,’ or ‘Just spent time with the family,’ when really, I’d been at a church conference. It often feels difficult to explain the profound experience of spending time with Jesus to someone who doesn't share the same beliefs.

Reflecting on Peter’s story, I see a journey from resignation to restoration. After denying Jesus three times, Peter could have easily succumbed to despair and resignation. But Jesus, in his infinite grace, reaches out to Peter, not with condemnation, but with a call to restoration. He asks Peter to feed his sheep, to care for his flock. This act of commissioning is a powerful statement of restoration, reframing Peter's past failures as a foundation for future ministry. It reminds me that my own failures and moments of resignation can be transformed into opportunities for growth and service in God's kingdom.

Apply:  As you go about your day, consider how you can embrace restoration in your own life. Are there areas where you need to let go of resignation and step into the restorative grace that Jesus offers? Instead of seeing your flaws as barriers, can you view them as opportunities for God’s redemptive work in your life?

Devote: Lord, I want to thank you that you don’t shame or condemn me. Lord take my failure moments and turn them in opportunities. Change me, grow me, restore me.