Podcast Summary: God Is Still In Control | Part 1

Live Big with Derek Grier
Date: March 30, 2026
Host: Dr. Derek Grier

Episode Overview

In this episode, Dr. Derek Grier explores the themes of human failure, redemption, and God’s unwavering plan using the denial and restoration of Peter as a lens. Drawing from Mark 14 and John 21, Dr. Grier passionately addresses the inevitability of setbacks in the Christian walk, the importance of repentance and resilience, and the comfort found in God’s sovereign control—even over our mistakes.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Mock “Trial” of Jesus and Peter’s Distance

• Scripture Base: Mark 14:53–72, John 21
• Dr. Grier recounts the events of Jesus’ capture, highlighting the injustice of Jesus’ trial before the high priest and Peter’s decision to “follow at a distance."
  • “Whenever I have backed away from Jesus, his people, his church, things have always started to go wrong for me and mine.” (02:45)
• The company we keep and our proximity to Christ shape our spiritual health.
  • “If you want to know the direction you're heading, pay attention to the new company you're keeping.” (04:45)
• He shares practical life principles:
  • Stay close to Jesus.
  • Do right by people regardless of their actions toward you.

2. Peter’s Denial and Human Weakness

• Peter’s fear and denial were triggered not by powerful men, but by a servant girl—a humbling detail (16:40).
  • “It’s so easy to be brave when bullets aren’t flying yet in your life.” (17:56)
• Dr. Grier emphasizes that even disciples—those performing miracles—are capable of failing drastically.
  • “Here we have the disciple, in fact, the lead disciple, cursing and swearing and lying.” (23:35)
• The narrative shows the difference between professed faith and lived faith under pressure.

3. Jesus’ Foreknowledge and Restoration of Peter

• Jesus predicted Peter’s denial, demonstrating that God is not surprised by our failures (28:22).
  • “Everything was still going as planned. God said the night before what he would do. Meaning when God called him, he knew every mistake he’d make.”
• After the resurrection, Jesus restores Peter over breakfast, symbolizing forgiveness and the continuation of his calling (31:09).
  • “Jesus cooked breakfast for the men who hurt him worse.” (33:12)
  • “It's his kindness that leads us to repentance.” (35:20)

4. The Nuance of Love: Agape vs. Philos

• Explores the Greek words for love, contrasting agape (unconditional, covenant love) and philos (friendship love) (38:01).
  • “Jesus was calling Peter to a higher place. Peter, do you agape me? And Peter responds...the best I can do is say that I philo you.”
• Jesus meets Peter where he is, accepting honest, humble commitment over empty promises.
  • “God never uses anyone greatly until he breaks them deeply. And Peter was in process.” (41:17)

5. God’s Plan Includes Our Setbacks

• Dr. Grier stresses that failure is not excluded from God’s plan but woven into it.
  • “God does not require perfection in his children, only growth.” (50:40)
  • “Repentance is simply making an adjustment to the course you're on to get back on the real course you're on.” (54:23)
• Uses the analogy of the moon landing: progress comes from continual course corrections, not from a perfect journey.

6. Practical Encouragement and Takeaways

• Vulnerability: Share not only your successes, but also your failures—this helps build hope and transparency.
• Perseverance:
  • “It’s not whether or not you get knocked down—it’s about whether or not you get up. Fall down seven times, get up eight. God knows you messed up. I messed up. Calm down. Everything's still going as planned. He's got you.” (52:10)
• Growth Mindset: Don’t confuse failure with disqualification; instead, see it as an invitation to grow and rely on God’s grace.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Self-Perception and Spiritual Growth:
  • “True self-esteem is choosing not to argue with people who are already committed to misunderstanding you anyway.” (01:38)
• On Redemption:
  • “Despite Peter’s failing...God still had a plan for his life. And God still has a plan for your life—even when you fail to be everything you know you can be, ought to be, should be.” (36:49)
• On Understanding Love:
  • “None of us, I don’t care who you are, none of us love God as we ought to. But just as Jesus met Peter where he was, he'll meet you where you are.” (47:48)
• On Collective Encouragement:
  • “Tell your story. Don’t just tell your kids about your accomplishments. Share with them the times you were knocked down, the times you failed, the times you thought you’d never come back. But you did.” (53:17)
• On Progress Not Perfection:
  • “God does not require perfection in his children, only growth. And if you are growing and moving in the right direction, God's got you. And he’s got space for you.” (50:40)

Key Timestamps

• 00:10 — Start of teaching; setting the context in Mark 14
• 02:45 — The dangers of following Jesus “at a distance”
• 04:45 — The influence of those we associate with
• 16:40 — Peter’s first denial prompted by a servant girl
• 23:35 — Peter’s intensifying denial: cursing and swearing
• 28:22 — Jesus’ foreknowledge and the hope in God’s sovereignty
• 31:09 — Peter’s restoration and the importance of Jesus’ kindness
• 38:01 — Greek words for love and the heart of restoration
• 50:40 — Imperfection, growth, and encouragement for the journey
• 54:23 — Course correction as a metaphor for Christian repentance

Final Takeaway

This episode delivers a powerful reminder that God’s control and purposes are not derailed by our failures. Like Peter, we grow through our stumbles and are invited to draw closer to Jesus, embracing repentance and the kindness of God. Rather than striving for perfection, the aim is consistent, honest growth and openness to God’s course corrections—no matter how many are needed.

For more transformative teachings, visit DerekGrier.com.