“Restoration and Strengthening”
friend, thanks for spending this week with me on A Miracle Every Day. We began the week with God’s call to focus on what is RIGHT in the world.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8 NIV)
It would be easy to focus on what was wrong with Peter’s failure—after all, He denied Jesus. Peter’s story is one of failure, but it’s also one of redemption! After denying Jesus, Peter was restored! And what did Jesus tell him to do next? To strengthen others. Our failures don’t disqualify us from being used by God; in fact, God often uses our brokenness to bring healing to others.
In the years that followed Peter’s restoration, he became a pillar of truth, a picture of nobility, a lover of all that was pure! He pointed people to the beauty of God’s grace and was seen with admiration because of his devotion to God’s people. He did excellent work in writing about the grace of God and all of the praise was lifted to Jesus! Peter focused his mind, not on his failure, but on the God who forgave!
When you’ve been restored by God's grace, you are in a unique position to encourage others. Your story of how God picked you up, healed you, and helped you stand again can be the very thing that encourages someone else who is struggling.
If you’ve experienced God’s grace in your life, don’t keep it to yourself. Look for ways to share His love and encouragement with others. Whether through a kind word, a prayer, or simply being there for someone, you can be a vessel of hope in someone else's broken world.
I know a lady from our church who, years ago, had an abortion. She carried that weight and that guilt for years. But then, through the forgiving power of Jesus, she now uses her broken story to help other people choose life! She has saved many babies because she doesn’t just share the failure, she shares about the forgiveness that you can only find in Jesus.
friend, God can use your story today too!
The world may feel broken, but what’s right with the world is that Jesus is in us, through us, and with us. He is the source of everything good, and when we focus on Him, we can find peace, hope, and strength in the chaos. He is restoring our hearts and because of that, there is HOPE!“Thank You, God, for restoring me when I fall. Help me to strengthen others as I have been strengthened. May I be a source of encouragement and hope in their lives today. Amen.”
Never forget my friend...
You are a miracle!
