Key scripture – “And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly.” Luke 22:62 (NLT).

In the New Testament, we encounter Peter, a man who loved Jesus with his whole being but because of what he did he was worried if he’d be forgiven. In Luke 22, on the night Jesus was turned over to the authorities, Peter denied he ever knew Jesus.

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.” (Luke 22:31-34).

“Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest’s house, and Peter was following at a distance. And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them. Then a servant girl, seeing him as he sat in the light and looking closely at him, said, “This man also was with him.” But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” And a little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not.” And after an interval of about an hour still another insisted, saying, “Certainly this man also was with him, for he too is a Galilean.” But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.” (Luke 22:54-62).

When Peter fled the scene he was weeping bitterly, and he was so full of angst, grief, and shame. When it says he wept “bitterly” it means it was “hard to bear, grievous, distressful.” He was not crying tears like we cry if we slam our finger in the car door, no his were tears coming from a place that was so deep within him that his whole body shook as he wept with distress.

Thank goodness the story doesn’t end there. Later we find Jesus talking with Peter on the shore after His resurrection.

“After breakfast Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these others?” “Yes,” Peter replied, “you know I am your friend.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. Jesus repeated the question: “Simon, son of John, do you really love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I am your friend.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. Once more he asked him, “Simon, son of John, are you even my friend?” Peter was grieved at the way Jesus asked the question this third time. “Lord, you know my heart; you know I am,” he said. Jesus said, “Then feed my little sheep. When you were young, you were able to do as you liked and go wherever you wanted to; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands and others will direct you and take you where you don’t want to go.” Jesus said this to let him know what kind of death he would die to glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.” (John 15-19).

In this brief conversation, Jesus reminds Peter of who he is. And WHOSE He is. Yes, Peter made a big mistake but it was not impossible to overcome, because Jesus sees beyond the mistake to the heart.

Over time, Peter became a teacher and speaker, leading large numbers of people to Jesus (Acts 2:14-36) and watching as miracles unfolded. “So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” (Acts 2:41 ESV). He authored 1 Peter and 2 Peter, two books of the Bible that have influenced millions around the world and across generations.

After his failure, Peter could have rejected Jesus one more time by refusing His love. He could have ignored the words Jesus spoke and allowed failure to beat him down and define him forever. Instead, He accepted that His Savior forgives a repentant heart, and that Jesus loved Him still.

Maybe you failed and you failed BIG. Your greatest regret is feeling you let Jesus down, and it’s the last thing you ever wanted to do. In this crossroad moment, you have a choice: You can let shame keep you stuck and keep you down or you can lean into Jesus’ love for you. Maybe you have amends to make with other people. With His help, make them. Maybe getting up seems hard because condemnation and shame weigh so heavy on you. Release that burden. “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” (Psalm 55:22).

One day you’ll look back at this pivotal moment and realize getting up led you right back into the arms of Jesus. Maybe your former experiences have led you to believe failure equals rejection. That when you fall, you’ve blown it, and that there’s no way back. But that’s a lie, it is not the truth, instead, this is the truth: God loves you and He will finish the work He began in you. “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6).

God’s response to your repentant heart is forgiveness. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9). And your Heavenly Father transforms you as you accept that gift. “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.” (2 Peter 1:3).

Don’t run away when you make mistakes, instead, lean into Jesus’ love and let Him comfort you. If you do, you will be stronger every time and you will learn who you are in Christ. Remember, your God still loves you. His plan has not been erased because of your mistakes. At your crossroads, run toward His open arms and begin anew.

Are you at that crossroads? Don’t turn away from Jesus turn to Him and let Him forgive and comfort you.

Pray this – Our Precious Heavenly Father, it upsets me so much when I sin because I don’t want to ever disappoint You. Thank You for Peter’s story. It is so confronting to know that no matter how bad I have blown it I can come back to You, and repent, and be forgiven and used for Your Kingdom, because I have redemption and forgiveness of sins through Jesus. Even though I want to hide from You when I have sinned and made mistakes, help me to turn to You and reach for Your love and forgiveness. Use my mistakes to teach me so that I grow in my relationship with You. Thank You that I have a future with hope because of You. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.