Permission to DoubtSýnishorn

Doubt Is Not The End of the Story

The time came when Jesus’ predictions about His death came true. Imagine how Peter must have felt as the One he gave up everything to follow was taken away, brutally beaten, and eventually crucified on the cross.

We know that after Jesus was arrested, Peter followed from a distance. The hope and faith that he had in Jesus were likely dwindling, if they weren’t already extinguished. And to make matters worse, as he sat in a courtyard near where Jesus was being held, people recognized him as a follower of Jesus.

In his fear, and in mounting doubt of whether or not Jesus was truly the Messiah, Peter denied being a follower of Jesus three times. Peter’s faith was shattered—and not knowing what else to do, he went back to his old life as a fisherman.

After His resurrection, Jesus found Peter there at the lake. When Peter realized that the man he saw on the shore was Jesus, he didn’t bother rowing the fishing boat back. Instead, he jumped straight into the water and swam to Jesus.

While having breakfast on the beach after Peter arrived, Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him. And three times, Peter professed his love for Jesus. Peter—the man who denied Jesus three times—was restored to Jesus through love.

Peter could easily have given up and thrown his belief in Jesus away permanently. But his story didn’t end with Jesus buried in a tomb. Yes, Jesus died. But then He rose from the grave. Sometimes, it’s from the ruins that God brings our faith to a new level.

Peter’s story could have ended in denial and doubt. But Jesus, in His goodness, sought Peter out and called him back. And Jesus does the same thing for us. When we have doubts, when we run away, when we question everything we thought was true, Jesus finds us. He calls us. And He welcomes us back into His arms.

Pray: God, it can be tempting to shut down and run away when our beliefs about You are challenged. Sometimes, I have expectations about what You’ll do, and when it doesn’t happen the way I want, it can be easy to doubt Your goodness. Today, I choose to believe that Your plans are perfect, even if they look different than my expectations. Help me learn to trust You again. In Jesus’ name, amen.