John 21:17, “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.’”
1 Peter 5:10, “And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
Nowadays, thousands of YouTube videos show people restoring items to their previous condition or repurposing them for something new. It can be pretty entertaining to see what people can do with dilapidated houses, curbside furniture, and rusted-out cars! However, no one can restore something or someone like our God.
So, today, let’s look at Peter’s restoration on GodTube in John 21. On the night of Jesus’ arrest, Peter had denied knowing Him three times. Then, he hid out as Jesus was crucified. Feeling discouraged, defeated, and ashamed, Peter returned to his life as a fisherman. But, after His resurrection, Jesus went and found Peter by the Sea of Galilee. This elated Peter until Jesus asked, “Do you love Me?” three times! At first, he was saddened by Jesus’ repeated question. But, he eventually realized that Jesus was restoring their relationship and purposing him to spread the gospel. Jesus still believed in Peter, and He would use Peter’s courage and conviction to lead countless people back to Him in the years to come. Like Peter, God doesn’t give up on us simply because we let Him down. Even as believers, we fall short and deny God access to certain areas of our lives. Let Jesus restore you back to Himself. Have a conversation with Him today! He knows that you love Him, and He’s ready to work in your life!
Open up your heart and talk with God about any area in your life that needs restoration. Let God work within you to rid you of your failures and regrets.
Dear Lord, Thank You for Your goodness, grace, and mercy. I open up my heart to You about _____ and ask You to restore my heart and mind so I can walk closer to You than I ever have before. I receive your restoration! In Jesus’ name, Amen.