GOD CAN USE YOU

GOD CAN USE YOU

d e s p i t e   y o u r   f a i l u r e s

The final chapters of each of the four Gospels contain the struggle and fall of Peter, arguably the leader among Jesus’ disciples.  Scripture paints Peter as probably a physically bigger man (in John 21:11, Peter dragged in a net of 153 large fish, which seems to have taken several disciples to drag just a few verses prior).  Peter was usually the first to speak after Jesus taught the disciples.  Peter was the one who drew his sword in the garden, to defend Jesus against the guards and soldiers, cutting off a servant’s ear in the process.  But then his boldness vanished.  As Jesus was being falsely accused and tried in a sham court, Peter famously denied knowing Christ three times in very short succession.  It probably seemed to Peter that he had forfeited any future ministry value to the Lord whatsoever.  We even see in that final chapter of John’s Gospel that Peter made an attempt to return to his prior vocation – fishing.  Imagine the emotional low point that Peter must have found himself.  Just… defeated.

But then something amazing happened.  Jesus restored Peter.  First the Savior called Peter to give up his fishing, which was symbolic of giving up on the promises which Jesus had made to him.  Peter submitted and obeyed.  Then Jesus gave Peter an encouraging directive – “Feed my sheep,” or in other words, take my message – and everything that you’ve learned and heard from me – and nourish others with it.  With just a few weeks Peter then preaches the first gospel sermon, recorded in Acts 2, and about three thousand people were saved because of it.  Peter then goes on to be the specially sent Apostle to the Jews (Galatians 2:8).  We don’t see a life lived in complete perfection from that point on, but we do see a life marked by a strong desire for faithfulness.

I believe that the Holy Spirit saw fit to have the failures of Peter included in the New Testament for the benefit of those among us today who have similar experiences.  You may look back on your life and feel that you have disqualified yourself from being used by the Lord.  You may feel discouraged or even defeated.  You try to trust the Lord but sometimes wonder if He trusts you.  The answer is yes – there is no one outside the reach of God’s hand, when you humble yourself to the Holy Spirit and submit to God’s commands as found in His word.  If you are not born again, this means that you must believe into Christ as the Son of God and that He is risen from the dead.  For all of us – we submit ourselves to God’s commands by reading His word daily and praying for wisdom in proper application.  God can use you – in your family, in your workplace, in your group of friends, in your neighborhood – despite your past failures.