Overcome Failure and Live With PurposeSample

How did Peter overcome his failure? He understood the amazing compassion and the amazing grace of Jesus. He found forgiveness and restoration. In our passage today, we see that he went back to his favorite place – the Sea of Galilee. He was sitting near his Savior, enjoying what was probably his favorite meal, fresh caught fish, and Jesus began to question him.

The question to Peter and to us today is this: do you love Christ more than anything else? Jesus asked Peter if his love for Him was unconditional? Peter’s response was, “Lord, I’m fond of you”. 

By asking him three times, Jesus is telling Peter, “You denied me three times, and I’m going to tell you three times that I love you. I want to hear you tell me three times that you love me.”

This was around a fire; don’t you think this fire would have reminded Peter of a previous fire where he failed three times? Now, at this fire, he’s being restored three times. That’s how gracious God is. That’s how much God cared about Peter, and how much He cares about you. 

Why did Jesus ask Peter how much he loved Him? Because love for Christ is the greatest attribute that will help us overcome the obstacles of fear and failure. What does Christ want from you? Love. He loves you, and if you will love Him, and live like you love Him, God can use you even after a horrible failure.