Failure Isn't the Finish Line

Scripture:

John 21:17

“The third time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ … Jesus said, ‘Feed my sheep.’”

Devotional:

Peter denied Jesus three times and carried the weight of failure. But after the resurrection, Jesus didn’t sideline or ignore him. Instead, He restored him. Three times He asked Peter, “Do you love Me?” And three times He re-commissioned him: "Feed My sheep."

That’s the power of restoration. It doesn’t just forgive - it redeems. It doesn’t just wipe the slate clean - it writes a new calling. Renovation changes habits, but restoration changes identity. The same Peter who denied Jesus became the bold leader of the early church.

Your failure doesn’t disqualify you. It’s the place God wants to meet you, restore you, and remind you that His call still stands.

Reflection Questions:

1. Do I believe God can restore me even in my worst failures?

2. Where do I need to hear His “Do you love Me?” today?

3. How is He re-commissioning me after restoration?

Prayer:

Jesus, thank You for restoring Peter - and thank You for restoring me. I love You. Speak fresh purpose over my life and remind me that I am not finished.

Action Step:

Write down a failure you’ve been carrying. Cross it out and over it write: “Restored and re-commissioned by Jesus.” Keep it somewhere visible this week.