The Grace of Second Chances
Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church
November 23rd Sermon, Day 5
Here's the most encouraging part of Peter's story: his biggest failure didn't disqualify him from God's purposes. Jesus rebuked Peter sharply, but He didn't reject him. In fact, this moment of correction became a turning point that prepared Peter for incredible leadership in the early church. The same Peter who resisted the cross would later preach boldly about it. The same Peter who tried to protect Jesus from suffering would later willingly suffer for Jesus. God doesn't discard us when we misunderstand Him or resist His ways. Instead, He shapes us, restores us, and calls us again. This is the heart of grace - not that we never fail, but that our failures don't have the final word.
Every time we mess up, every time we miss the point, every time we try to lead instead of follow, God is still working. He's still shaping us. He's still calling us. Peter's story teaches us that obedience today becomes clarity tomorrow. We don't have to understand everything God is doing to trust Him and follow Him. Sometimes the very thing we resist becomes the thing God uses most powerfully in our lives.
If you've been feeling disqualified because of past mistakes or current struggles, take heart. God's grace is bigger than your failures, and His calling on your life is stronger than your resistance to it. Like Peter, your greatest moments of growth often come through your greatest moments of correction. God isn't finished with you yet.
Bible Verse
"Jesus turned and said to Peter, 'Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.'" - Matthew 16:23
Reflection Question
How has God used past failures or corrections in your life to prepare you for something greater?
Quote Jesus didn't give up on Peter. Jesus rebuked Peter, but he didn't reject him.
Prayer
Thank You, Lord, that Your grace is bigger than my failures and Your calling stronger than my resistance. Help me to receive Your correction with humility and trust that You're still working in my life. I believe You're not finished with me yet. Amen.
