Who Cut In On You? (Part 3)

"For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable." Romans 11:29 (NIV)

You may feel like you’ve disqualified yourself from the call of God on your life. Maybe you messed up. Maybe you went back to old patterns, made the wrong choice, let shame sink its teeth in. But here's the truth that will lift the weight off your shoulders: you were never the one who qualified yourself to begin with.

It was never about your perfection. It was never about your spotless record or performance. It’s always been the blood of Jesus that qualified you. It’s only His mercy that saves you. He purchased your seat at the table, and He’s still saving that seat—just for you.

If you feel like you’ve failed, you’re not alone. Peter felt the same. After following Jesus for three years, after witnessing miracle after miracle, Peter still denied Him when it mattered most. Not once. Three times. And when Jesus was crucified, Peter went back to what Jesus had called him out of. He returned to fishing because he thought he blew it.

But then the resurrection happened. And when Peter saw the risen Jesus on the shore, he didn’t hesitate. He didn’t stay in the boat of shame and regret. He jumped into the water and swam toward His Savior. Soaking wet, heart pounding, probably filled with regret and fear, he got to Jesus. And what did Jesus do? Did He shame Peter? Remind him of his failure? No. Jesus had a fire going. He was making breakfast. The last time Peter stood by a fire, he was denying Christ. Now Jesus stands by another fire and offers Peter redemption.

He looks at Peter and asks three simple questions:

“Do you love Me?”

Not, “Why did you fail Me?”

Not, “How could you betray Me?”

Just, “Do you love Me?”

And when Peter says yes, Jesus says, “Then feed My sheep.” In that moment, Jesus reaffirms Peter’s calling. He restores his identity. You may feel like you’ve failed too badly to get back up.  

God is not done with you.

He hasn’t changed His mind. His calling on your life is still active. Still alive. Still waiting. So, get back up. Lace up your shoes. The race isn’t over. You may not run fast. You may stumble. But keep moving. Keep pressing. Keep believing.

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