Day 29.  As we get closer to our landing, let’s settle some issues — with God.

In Matthew 26, Peter is in a spiritual state of flux. One moment, he declares His devotion to his Lord. Later, he falls asleep during Jesus’s prayer vigil. One moment, he cuts off the ear of a man arresting Christ. The next morning he curses and denies he knows his Lord.

If we know the tension between wanting to love God with all of our heart but also loving our life, we can relate to Peter.

And yet, the resurrected Christ has a restoration conversation with his fluctuating disciple. This could also be me…or you.

This was the third time Jesus had appeared to his disciples since he had been raised from the dead.

After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”

“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.

Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”

“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.

 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.”- John 21:14-17 NLT

Christ makes no mention of Peter’s faults. He inquires about his love.

But at his lowest point, Peter chose to FLY. At our lowest point, we can choose to FLY too.

Considering all that happened, Peter could have been hesitant to speak with Christ. Instead, he feared not.

By the second inquiry about his love, Peter may have been doubtful he’d ever be restored. He chooses to lean hard.

By the third “Do you love me?” Peter was hurt, but he stated his love for Christ one more time. He yields completely.

Peter, the devoted, but sometimes tired, impulsive and denying disciple was now restored.  And a lot of sheep were waiting to be fed.

How would we describe our relationship with Christ?  Are we devoted? Feeling fatigued in our faith walk? Impulsively making decisions or denying Him altogether? However we answer that question, Jesus has a question for us too, “Do you love Me?”

His purpose in our lives is waiting to be fed.

Fatigue, fear and failure are sure signs we need a restoration conversation. Go ahead. God is listening. Let’s confess the sins of the soul and the hesitancy of the heart. Then receive His mercy, forgiveness and love. And when we do, there’s a new hope in the heart and a new joy to the soul.

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