Finding my way back when I fail

Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “’I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ Matthew 26:31 (NIV)

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. ³² But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.” ³³ Peter said, “Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you, and even to die with you.” ³⁴ But Jesus said, “Peter, let me tell you something. Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” Luke 22:31-34 (NLT)

RELATIONSHIP REALITIES ABOUT Peter & ME:

• Jesus knows we WILL SOMETIMES FAIL.

The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I go with you now? I would die for you!” ³⁸ “Would you really die for me?” Jesus asked. “I tell you for certain that before a rooster crows, you will say three times that you don’t even know me.”  John 13:2, 38 (NIV/CEV)

There is no one on earth who does what is right all the time and never makes a mistake. Ecclesiastes 7:20 (GNT)

• If at first you don’t succeed, JOIN THE CLUB.
• Jesus loves us ANYWAY.

But think about this: while we were wasting our lives in sin, God revealed His powerful love to us in a tangible display—the Anointed One died for us. Romans 5:8 (VOICE)

When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.
¹⁰ Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” ¹¹ So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. ¹² Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast”… ¹³ Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. John 21:9-13 (NIV)

• Jesus knows our failures don’t have to be FATAL or FINAL.

…so when you have repented and turned to me again… Luke 22:32b (NLT)

No matter how many times you trip them up, God-loyal people don’t stay down long; Soon they’re up on their feet, while the wicked end up flat on their faces. Proverbs 24:16 (MSG)

• Jesus wants us to FINISH FAITHFULLY.

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. ³² But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail.  Luke 22:31-32a (NLT)

• Jesus still has plans for our FUTURE.

…So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:32b (NLT)

What Must I Do to find my way back to jesus?

• I must REPENT.

After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.” ⁷⁴ Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. ⁷⁵ Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly. Matthew 26:73-75 (NIV)

• Repentance comes from GODLY SORROW & changes my MIND.

For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death. 2 Corinthians 7:10 (NLT)

• God can use my failure to INSTRUCT

A man who refuses to admit his mistakes can never be successful. But if he confesses and forsakes them, he gets another chance. Proverbs 28:13 (TLB)

Sometimes it takes a painful experience to make us change our ways. Proverbs 20:30 (GNT)

• I must RELY ON Christ’s Word.

But the man said, “Don’t be afraid. You are looking for Jesus from Nazareth, the one who was killed on a cross. He has risen from death. He is not here. Look, here is the place they laid him. ⁷ Now go and tell his followers and Peter, ‘Jesus is going into Galilee. He will be there before you. You will see him there as he told you before.’” Mark 16:6-7 (ICB)

“Come now, and let us debate your case,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are as scarlet, They shall become as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be like wool. ¹⁹ If you are willing and obedient, You will eat the best of the land; Isaiah 1:18-19 (NASB)

• I must RECONNECT with my SMALL GROUP.

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” ²⁰ …The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. John 20:19-20, 26a (NIV)

• I must RECOMMIT TO Christ’s purpose.

We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan. Romans 8:28 (VOICE)

…Because of his great mercy he gave us new life by raising Jesus Christ from death. This fills us with a living hope… 1 Peter 1:3b (GNT)