John 18:25, " As Simon Peter stood warming himself, he was asked, ‘You are not one of his disciples, are you?' He denied it, saying, ‘I am not.'" 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

Think

"He is more concerned with your NEXT STEP than your MISSED STEP." Peter turned his back on Jesus. In fact, verse 25 above describes one of three times that Peter denied Jesus. Can you believe that? This is someone who had walked and talked with Jesus for three years! It's easy to judge Peter, but if we are all honest, this verse also describes our actions. Everyone one of us has had a time in life when we have chosen not to identify with Jesus. We know we should speak up, but we stay silent; we know what direction to go, but we go the other way. In these moments it is easy to think, "God can no longer use me." There are so many stories of people in scripture who have stumbled and fallen, but God always provides a comeback for them when they put their trust in Jesus. Everyone needs a comeback, and everyone is offered a comeback. No matter what has happened, it's not over as long as Jesus is in it. It's great to know he doesn't focus on your missed step. He is far more interested in your next step. And hopefully, that next step is the first step on your way to an incredible comeback.

Act

Talk to a trusted friend or family member about something you are struggling with. Ask them to pray for you specifically so that the challenge you are facing won't drag you down or keep you from being all God wants you to be. And remember to pray for them, too! We all need God's strength to get back up again.

Pray

God, there are times when I've lied and denied you, just like Peter. Thank you for forgiving me and for being more concerned with my future than with my past. Help me to please you with everything I say and do. I pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.