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Simon Peter said to them, 'I'm going fishing.' They told him, 'We are also coming with you.' They immediately went out, and entered into the boat. That night, they caught nothing. John 21:3 WEB

Peter told Jesus 'If I must die with you, I will not deny you' (Mark 14:31). Later that night, Peter cursed, swore and denied even knowing Jesus three times (Mark 14:71). He had failed the Lord Jesus, and had done exactly what he said he would not do. After weeping, sulking, and waiting a while, Peter returned to his old way of life, fishing.

Typical human thinking. We make God promises, fail to keep them, then feel like we are a failure and that God is mad at us, so we turn back to our old lifestyle. We begin to beat our ourself up and tell ourselves 'I can't do this. I am no good at it. I gave it my best, and look at what that got me. I was better off before.'

We return to our old life, and our old ways and soon settle into a rut. When you fail in a performance-based relationship, it is hard to get up. After you stumble in some act that you think is sinful, you tend to hide yourself from God, just like Adam. It has been that way for thousands of years. The enemy will climb on your back like a pony and ride you around constantly reminding you: 'God is mad at you! You are finished! He knows what you did! You better not go back to that church!'

It is a trick of satan to keep you beaten down, weak and defeated. Proverbs 24:16 says that the righteous get up, even if they fall seven times. God is not mad at you when you fall. Our relationship with God is not about performance, it is about love. He loves us, we love Him and love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8).

Jesus knew that Peter would deny Him and had already told him, 'when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers' (Luke 22:32). It is ok to fail, to fall, to stumble, to return to your old ways, but do not stay there.

Jesus restored Peter and He was never mad at him to begin with. Jesus understood what Peter went through because He was one of us (Hebrews 4:15). He understands. Just don't give up. You are going to make it, if you don't give up. The only one that can stop you from fulfilling your destiny, is you.

Special note: While praying here I can see some who are in a dark place. You have been hurt and injured, so you withdrew into a corner. Now you feel so alone there. God wants you to know that He is here, now. He loves you, He understands, and He only wants you to come back. This is going to be alright. I can see Him reaching out, trying to coax you into coming back to the light. Take His hand.

Prayer: Father, I thank You for being there for me. Draw my heart to You, consume me Lord and fill me with Your presence. Lead me out of the darkness and help me to see clearly. God have mercy on me, a sinner, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.

Note: Good morning! The other day, one of our readers mentioned that, though she had been receiving the RHM devotionals for about a year, she only recently found that she could also view the past ones. Sooo, for any who might also wish to know, you can go to the "Devotional" link on the website and read any of the past messages. You don''t need to be signed in to read them. Thank you for being part of Refreshing Hope Ministries, and have a blessed day :)!