Don’t fear failing, don’t fear doubt! The Bible is filled with examples of imperfect people restored and used by God in the mightiest ways. Why? Because they choose to let God’s mercy and forgiveness to be more powerful in their life than the failure.
In the account of Resurrection Sunday in Mark’s gospel, there is more of a sense of turmoil among the followers of Jesus. It also spotlights Jesus reaching out directly to two people – Peter and Mary Magdalene. One of the angels in the tomb told the women “tell his disciples and Peter that he goes before you into Galilee, there you shall see him, as he said unto you”. Mark 16:7
Peter was one of the top three disciples and had seen extra signs, wonders and visitations, but he still got scared, doubted and denied that he knew Jesus three times. I believe Jesus singled him out, instructing the angel to mention him by name to comfort him.
I know from my personal experience with Jesus, that He extends great mercy and comfort and that He is very aware of what we go through as humans. This is also an encouragement that it is never too late to get back on track.
You probably will never mess up as bad as Peter did, but you can be assured that nothing comes as a surprise to God and He plays a VERY long game. Take the mercy, wipe your tears and get back close to God.
It isn’t as important to Him that we do everything perfect as it is that we connect to His heart in a personal relationship. Attending church, claiming to be a Christian, doing good works can all be done with zero personal connection.
What is truly important is to seek God honestly, ask Him to help you learn His ways and to show you what He wants for you each day – big things and small things. When I am walking close with God, I’m moved with love and joy so many times.
He reveals in the Bible and through the witness and words of the Holy Spirit how much He loves me and cares – we talk like friends and laugh and cry over daily life for me and whatever my heart extends to touch in prayer. I love my Savior Jesus and I love my Father God and I love my teacher and friend the Holy Spirit.
If you want that too, God will start revealing His heart and His ways in the size and power that you are ready for right now. Just ask Him to show you and take time to be quiet and listen.
Mark 16:5-11
5And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. 6 And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. 7 But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you. 8 And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid. 9 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. 10 And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 11 And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.
