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Jan 05, 2023 18:30pm

Run or Return

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Run.

That word kept repeating in my mind. I had messed up big time and there was no turning back. I was consumed with shame and regret. What I did was unthinkable and I couldn’t show my face again.

It was too late.

Wasn’t it?

Could there be forgiveness? Could there be restoration?

Surely not. Not after what I did.

Right?

My mind kept telling me to run, but deep in my heart, there was an urge to return and face my actions and words.

But even if I returned, things would be bad. What I did would always be remembered. No one could forget it. And there was no possible way anything could get better… or would it?

Let me re-introduce you to a guy named Peter. A leader among the disciples, chosen by Jesus Himself, to follow after Him and learn. He was present at miracles and he was active in discussions and talks as Jesus taught throughout His ministry. Peter had a tenacity and boldness that many of us wish we had.

But even he, one that walked so closely with Jesus, made mistakes.

“Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee. Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.” (Matthew 26:69-75)

What’s your first reaction to Peter’s betrayal? Are you furious at him? Maybe confused how this could happen? Does he even still belong among the followers anymore?

Peter is human. He may be a follower of Christ, he may have been changed by God’s love for him, but he never stopped being Simon Peter. Just like you’ll never stop being you.

Here’s what I want us to see. Not to focus on his mistake necessarily, but what decision he made.

He could have let this stop him. He could have run away. He could have forsaken the others and went back home to his wife and left it all behind. He could have hid away in his shame, wallowing in self-pity about the mistake he made.

But he didn’t.

Peter went on to do great things for the Lord. The book of Acts records many of his works, healings, teachings and his stand for Christ. It wasn’t that he was trying to gain favor with the Lord again, but he knew he didn’t want to be that guy again. He used that mistake to motivate him into a deeper walk with the Lord.

Run or return? Peter made the right choice, and look at how God rewarded him! His life was filled with opportunities to make the name of Jesus known throughout the world!

Do you think your mistakes are too big for God to forgive? Maybe you were active in church and close to the Lord, but you’ve gotten away. Or maybe your mistake is known publicly and you are ashamed of what people will think.

You have a choice – run or return. God chose ordinary men for a reason. Just like He chose you. He has great plans for you and will use you to further His kingdom, but you must return.

If He can use Peter after that mistake, imagine what He can do with you!