When We Blow It
Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church
November 30th Sermon, Day 1
Have you ever had one of those moments where you knew you completely messed up? Maybe it was a harsh word spoken in anger, a promise broken, or a moment when fear made you choose the easy path instead of the right one. We've all been there, and if we're honest, it's a terrible feeling.
Peter understood this feeling all too well. Here was a man whose very name meant 'rock' - someone who was supposed to be steady, courageous, and unwavering. Yet when the pressure mounted and fear crept in, he spectacularly failed his calling. In front of a simple servant girl, this bold fisherman who had walked on water and declared Jesus as the Son of God suddenly claimed he didn't even know him.
What's striking about Peter's failure isn't just that it happened, but why it happened. He didn't stop loving Jesus. Fear simply overwhelmed his love. The fear of suffering, of losing his reputation, of facing an uncertain future - these anxieties caused him to compromise everything he believed in. The beautiful truth is that our failures, while painful, don't surprise Jesus. He knows our weaknesses better than we do. Peter's denial was devastating to him personally, but it wasn't the end of his story. Sometimes our biggest failures become the doorway to our greatest breakthroughs, because they force us to confront our need for grace.
Today, if you're carrying the weight of a recent failure or a long-held regret, remember that Jesus sees beyond your worst moments. Your failure doesn't define you - his love does.
Bible Verse
'But he denied it. "Woman, I don't know him," he said. About an hour later another asserted, "Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean." Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.' - Luke 22:56-62
Reflection Question
What fears in your life might be causing you to compromise your values or distance yourself from what you know is right?
Quote Peter didn't deny Jesus because he stopped loving him. He denied him because he didn't want to suffer, and he feared what following Jesus might cost his reputation, his safety, and his comfort.
Prayer
Lord, I confess that fear sometimes gets the better of me. Help me to be honest about my failures and weaknesses, knowing that you love me completely even in my worst moments. Give me courage to face my fears with your strength rather than my own. Amen.
