In yesterday’s blog we talked about the God of the second chance. I had one reader comment that she was glad He is also the God of the third chance as well. How very true!
In fact, our God provides us with infinite mercy and grace. He never runs out of compassion and so His forgiveness extends for the sum of our days. He will never wake up one morning and say enough is enough. His love never fails and never ends.
Now that’s good news!
Have you ever seen a person who feels defeated? The signs are pretty evident; head down, shoulders drooped and they find it hard to look anyone in the eye. They are discouraged; hope seems to be destroyed. They maybe ashamed or feel they are carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders. It’s a horrible place to be.
Maybe you’ve been there. I know I have. Many in the Bible had been there too. Peter is the first one to come to mind. He had served side by side with Jesus for three years. He was the Lord’s biggest defender when the crowds would criticize. He was impetuous, quick to respond (sometimes without thinking) and he was determined to be the Lord’s right hand man.
But one night around a fire, when confronted by a young servant girl he denied even knowing Jesus. That was a cowardly act but it didn’t end there. In the span of a few hours he had voiced his denial two more times. After the third Jesus looked at him but never said a word. Peter was heartbroken. Ashamed. I’m sure Peter left head down and ashamed.
Perhaps you can relate. There are things in all our lives that we are ashamed of and don’t want anyone to know.
Yet, after Jesus’ resurrection he came to Peter, meeting him on the sea shore and Jesus asked Peter to profess his love. Nothing was said about the denial. Jesus lifted the shame and told Peter he wanted him to be a shepherd to “new lambs”, the new believers, who would follow Christ.
A few weeks later we find Peter preaching to the crowds. Head lifted, shoulders back, standing tall and boldly proclaiming that Jesus was the Messiah. Even when he was beaten and thrown into prison he did not falter. A complete transformation.
The Lord doesn’t want us going about with our heads down. He wants us to be like Peter. He wants us to be dependent on Him and drawing from His strength.
“Many are saying of me, “There is no help for him in God.” 3 But You, O Lord, are a covering around me, my shining-greatness, and the One Who lifts my head. 4 I was crying to the Lord with my voice. And He answered me from His holy mountain.” Psalm 3:2-4 NLV
If your head is bowed in shame, pray! Ask for forgiveness and receive the Father’s mercy and grace. After you say Amen, lift your head and stand tall.
“Now that we have been made right with God by putting our trust in Him, we have peace with Him. It is because of what our Lord Jesus Christ did for us. 2 By putting our trust in God, He has given us His loving-favor and has received us. We are happy for the hope we have of sharing the shining-greatness of God.” Romans 5:1-2 NLV