November 17, 2024 - How to Move Forward After a Time of Failure - Pastor Paul Vallee

What is the true measure of success? It depends. While we often think about popularity, financial prosperity, status, and achievements, God has a different measurement. Have we been obedient to what God has asked each of us to do according to where He has placed us and the gifts He has entrusted to us? Erwin Lutzer’s book, Failure the Back Door To Success, explains, “Often the doorway to success is entered through the hallway of failure. Our sins are a forcible reminder of our need for God’s grace; our weaknesses make us appreciate God’s strength. An understanding of our frailty is the basis for a dynamic relationship with God.” An overly self-confident Peter boasted that though all might fail Jesus in the Lord’s darkest hours, Peter would not. Unfortunately, Peter denied knowing Jesus not once but three times and was ultimately shattered by that failure. How could God ever entrust Peter the responsibility of being a key leader in the early church? The question we can ask ourselves is, ‘How can we move forward after a time of failure in our own lives?’ In John 21, we will see both the restoration of Peter and the disciples as Jesus manifests Himself to them in a powerful reminder of their initial calling and discover that God has a plan for them to implement as they address their past failures to move forward in their lives, based upon their unique gifts and temperament.  Two movements in this chapter brought home this message to these early followers of Jesus, but it is equally true of our lives as well.