Your Calling Still Waits
Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church
November 30th Sermon, Day 5
Three times Jesus asked Peter the same question: 'Do you love me?' For each denial, there was an opportunity for affirmation. For each failure, there was a chance for restoration. And with each 'yes' from Peter, Jesus renewed his calling: 'Feed my sheep.'
This wasn't just forgiveness - this was complete restoration to purpose. Jesus wasn't content to simply pardon Peter's failure; he wanted to restore him to his calling. The same man who had denied knowing Jesus was now being entrusted with caring for his people. This is the scandalous grace of God - he doesn't just forgive our failures, he transforms them into qualifications for ministry.
Peter's failure didn't disqualify him from serving God; it prepared him for grace-filled, humble ministry. His brokenness became the source of his compassion. His experience of failure and restoration equipped him to help others who would stumble along the way.
Maybe you've been living under the weight of past failures, thinking that your calling has been canceled because of your mistakes. Maybe you've convinced yourself that God could never use someone who has messed up as badly as you have. But Peter's story tells us something different: your failure doesn't cancel your calling.
Jesus knows the worst about you and still calls you. He sees your imperfections and still has a purpose for your life. The risen Lord stands on the shore of your life today and says, 'Let's begin again.' Your calling is still waiting for you to step back into it, not because you're perfect, but because he is faithful.
No failure is final when Jesus is involved. He doesn't erase the story, but he does rewrite the ending.
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 calling or purpose in your life have you abandoned because of past failures, and how might God want to restore you to that calling today?
Quote Your failure doesn't cancel your calling. Your calling is still waiting for you to step back into it.
Prayer
Lord, thank you that my failures don't cancel my calling. Help me to step back into the purpose you have for my life, trusting in your grace rather than my own perfection. Use my brokenness to bring healing to others and glory to your name. Amen.
