One of my favorite people in the Bible is Peter. Do you know why? Because despite messing up—several key times in his life—he made a wonderful comeback. And God used him mightily. Peter reminds me that we serve the God of second chances.

Maybe you need a second chance, but you might be thinking it’s too late. Maybe you’ve made one mistake too many. Maybe you feel like God is fed up with you and has quietly put you on the shelf. Well, think of Peter.

Peter was always making big promises. “I’ll follow You anywhere.” “I’ll never forsake You.” “I’ll never deny You.” “I’ll even die for You.” But look at his failures.

Jesus actually rebuked him and said, Get behind me, Satan (Matthew 16:23), when Peter gave him completely wrong advice. On the Mount of Transfiguration, Peter started talking about building memorials—and God interrupted from heaven, basically saying, “Peter, be quiet and listen to my Son.” He stepped out of the boat to walk on water—and sank. He slept when he should have been praying—even on the night of Jesus’ betrayal.

And worst of all, he denied his Lord three times. When Jesus was on trial, Peter should have stood up and been counted. Instead, he caved. He turned away. He fled.

Why would Jesus choose Peter? Because Jesus doesn’t look for perfection. He looks for hearts he can restore. That brash, impulsive, big-talking fisherman became one of the greatest spokesmen for Christ and the early church. After the resurrection, Jesus didn’t discard Peter—he restored him. He recommissioned him. He gave him another chance.

Maybe you’ve been talking the talk but not walking the walk. Maybe you feel like you blew your testimony at work, at home, or with your friends.

Listen carefully: You cannot mess up so badly that God cannot salvage you. Don’t underestimate the power of the God of second chances.

Remember Peter. And ask God to do for you what he did for him. He’s the same God. He hasn’t changed. And he loves you just as much as he loved Peter.

Get up. Turn back. And go for it.

The God of Second Chances – 3