Change

We may be resistant to change, especially when every attempt has ended in failure. We can become demoralized or worse, even depressed. As Solomon put it, “our hearts become sick” and bereft of hope. We give up! We say “Why bother!” “This must be my lot in life”, “I’ll go see if I can find a job as a doormat” – this becomes our “self talk.” Like BB King, “Nobody loves me but my mama… and she could be jiving too!” Now that’s the picture of a guy who is not feeling to good about life!! We become hopeless… one author said, “when we abandon change we give up on ourselves.”

There is an account in the gospels where Jesus tells the disciples, “you will all abandon me, all will scatter, and all will leave me to face the trials alone.” Peter counters with confidence, “when everyone fails you I will defend you….When everyone shrinks back I will shoulder the burden, when everyone falls short, I will follow through.” I am sure in the moment Peter was genuine, I am sure that in the moment he had every intention of following his master into the fray. As the story goes, Peter denied that he even knew Jesus! Luther said, “where the battle rages there the loyalty of the soldier is proved” Peter fell in battle and suffered defeat. Peter’s own words turn to mock him, to torment and taunt him! He spoke so confidently and broke so bitterly. And I can imagine that the accuser, the serpent, taking advantage of the moment, adding insult to injury whispers in his ears, “See.... you are not a “fisher of men”, just a fisherman “Go back to the fish! ” Return to the sea of Galilee, Return to your nets, that’s all your good for,” and to his nets he returns. Defeated.

But Jesus isn’t done with him yet. He stands on the shore, prepares a meal and restores him - Paul told us that loves always hopes and never gives up and it is love that restored him, love that reinstated him and love that changed him...

When you have failed and retreated to a place of comfort, when you have returned to your former life and you have given up, Jesus is on the shores of life preparing a feast for you to strengthen you. He reminds you of your purpose and restores you with His love!

Change begins with God intervening on our behalf! Jesus isn’t done with you yet....