Personal Restoration

​Have you ever made a mistake that broke your heart and left you feeling that you had let yourself and God down?
I see those hands.
The Apostle Peter in the Bible certainly would have raised his hand. As Jesus prepared to go to the cross on Calvary, Peter adamantly declared he would never deny Him (Matthew 26:33-35). Under pressure, Peter indeed denied the Lord. (Matthew 26:69-75). He “wept bitterly” as they took Jesus away to crucify Him.
John 21 is a record of Jesus’ third post-resurrection appearance to His disciples.
In the first fourteen verses, Jesus was preparing breakfast on the beach for the disciples who had fished all night and caught zero fish. He told them where to let down their nets. They caught 153 fish! John and the rest of the guys declared “It is the Lord!” Excited about seeing Jesus, they rowed to the beach, except for impulsive Peter, who jumped in the water!
After they had finished feasting on bread and fish, in the presence of the disciples, Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him (verses 15-17). Three times Peter answered “Yes, Lord You know that I love You.” Jesus responded to each comment from Peter with “Tend My sheep.”
Three questions from Jesus. Three responses from Peter. Three calls to service and ministry.
Why three? Because Peter denied the Lord three times. Those three denials haunted, tormented and tore Peter up. Jesus knew that. On that beach, Jesus restored Peter to Himself and re-instated Peter to follow and serve Him.
Why did Jesus restore Peter? He loved him unconditionally. Peter’s heart was broken over the denial. Peter’s heartfelt words of love and devotion for Jesus set the stage for restoration.
 What a day for Peter! Restoration day! What a day for the disciples to witness Jesus restoring Peter! What a day for the soon to be established evangelistic outreach of the church to the world of lost souls!
Like Peter, when we have messed up, restoration is God’s will for is people. Jesus restores us individually and personally. He knows what we have done when we have blown it. More importantly, the Lord knows our heart. Our head and emotions often get us into trouble. God looks on and cares most about our heart.
My friend, please do not beat yourself up over failure. Turn failure into success by devoting yourself to Jesus and serving Him. Peter became what I call “a successful failure” who was the Spirit-filled, fiery first leader of the New Testament Church. He preached the Good News with unshaken conviction, confidence and courage. History tells us he was crucified upside down for his refusal to deny his personal faith in God’s Son Jesus Christ.
Personal restoration is profoundly powerful because God loves you and me so much that He will not let us remain broken. You and I matter to Him. Regardless of what we may have done, Jesus loves us and desires that we love Him and tell others of His great love!
Years ago, as a Christian and Pastor, I experienced a severe crisis of depression that nearly ended in suicide. My heart was broken. My spirit was crushed. God, who I served, seemed a zillion miles away.
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18.
The Lord met me in that psychiatric hospital. The Holy Spirit consoled, comforted and watched over me. In the ministry I had helped countless numbers of hurting people be personally restored to the Lord. Now it was my turn.
During those dark days Jesus compassionately asked me “Steve, do you love Me?” Though emotionally weak, spiritually depleted and bewildered by my circumstances, I would respond “You know I do Lord. I love you with all my broken heart.” He knew I meant it.
My personal road to restoration commenced. Over time and through a scriptural process Jesus healed my broken heart, restored my crushed spirit and renewed my vision for life and ministry.
I thank God every day for restoring me to Himself, myself, my loved ones, the body of Christ and a very fruitful, rewarding ministry over the past thirty years.
So, what about that mistake you made that I referred to at the beginning of this devotion? Have you personally experienced the healing, restoring and renewing power of God’s love?
If not, Jesus will meet you where you are. The Lord specializes in healing broken hearts. He will ask you if you love Him. When you say yes from your heart, He will lovingly respond “Follow Me.” Obey Me. Serve Me. Witness and minister to the people I send you to.
Restoration. You and Jesus. Done Deal.
Now what are you doing to do with God’s merciful, gracious and loving gift of restoration?
Those who have been restored are the best restorers of others in Jesus’ name!
“For I will restore you to health and heal your wounds declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 30:17
“Blessed be the Father and God of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” I Peter 1:3  
A Word For Your Week: Personal restoration is the pathway to hopefulness, usefulness and fruitfulness in God’s Kingdom.